The International Vaccine Codes Initiative (IVC) is a collaborative global network designed to improve vaccine coding and enhance public health worldwide. At its core, IVC thrives on the contributions of dedicated volunteers who share a passion for advancing public health and a desire to engage with the broader international community.

Joining IVC as a volunteer is not just about contributing to a groundbreaking initiative—it’s about expanding your professional horizons. As a volunteer, you will:

• Build Global Connections: Collaborate with vaccine coding experts, public health professionals, and advocates from around the world, fostering meaningful relationships and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
• Advance Your Expertise: Engage with cutting-edge challenges in vaccine coding, gaining unique insights and honing skills that will enhance your professional experience and career development.
• Shape the Future of Public Health: Be at the forefront of global efforts to ensure accurate vaccine coding, improving the ability of healthcare systems to track and respond to immunization needs.
• Lead and Innovate: Play an active role in shaping international discussions, creating resources, and driving initiatives that impact public health across borders.

We’ve created several volunteer roles to help make this initiative a success, each with opportunities to contribute, grow, and connect with peers. Whether you’re a technical expert, a public health advocate, or someone passionate about global health, there’s a role for you.

Your contributions as a volunteer not only support the IVC mission but also position you as a leader in the field of vaccine coding and public health. Join us today to help advance this vital initiative while growing personally and professionally.

A Point of Contact (POC) is a designated individual who serves as the first technical contact for questions about vaccine coding within their jurisdiction (country, province, state, etc.). There can only be one POC per jurisdiction, though others from the jurisdiction may participate in IVC calls and activities. The POC’s key responsibilities include:

• Responding to technical questions about vaccination coding and acting as a first point of contact.
• Looping in relevant local experts if they do not have the answer, ensuring inquiries are handled effectively.
• Collaborating with POCs from other jurisdictions to share strategies, learn from peers, and improve vaccine coding practices globally.
• Attending IVC virtual calls and supporting IVC activities

Additional Considerations:

This role is critical to fostering a decentralized, peer-to-peer network. POCs do not need to know all the answers but must take responsibility for ensuring the right expertise is engaged.

A Country Liaison is a volunteer focused on building relationships and coordinating activities for a specific country. There can only be one Country Liaison per country, though they can enlist support from others to fulfill their responsibilities. Their key responsibilities include:

• Supporting IVC activities by attending meetings and helping implement group decisions.
• Recruiting and maintaining a strong relationship with the country’s POC.
• Advocating for the country’s needs within IVC and keeping the POC informed about updates and resources.
• Acting as a backup if the POC is unavailable to ensure continuity.
• Promoting collaboration and information-sharing between the country and the global IVC network.
• Attending IVC virtual calls and supporting IVC activities

Additional Considerations:

The Country Liaison role is ideal for individuals with cultural or professional ties to the country they represent.

Cochairs are integral to the organizational leadership of the IVC. This role supports the planning and execution of IVC’s activities. There should ideally be four Cochairs, each from a different country or jurisdiction, to ensure diverse representation. Current responsibilities include:

• Participating in monthly IVC virtual call planning meetings (30 minutes).
• Preparing content or facilitating discussions during IVC virtual meetings.
• Attending in-person meetings when possible.
• Reviewing and improving content on the IVC website.
• Assisting with the recruitment of new IVC members to grow the initiative.
• Developing opportunities for training and fostering connections within the IVC community.

Cochairs play a crucial role in driving the initiative forward and ensuring it meets the needs of its diverse members.

Why can there only be one POC or Liaison per jurisdiction/country?

To maintain clarity and accountability, we designate a single person to represent each jurisdiction or country as the main point of contact. However, others can still attend calls and contribute to IVC activities.

What happens if the designated POC or Liaison steps down?

IVC will work with the jurisdiction or country to identify and onboard a replacement to ensure continuity.

Can Cochairs also serve as a POC or Liaison?

No, to ensure balanced representation and leadership, these roles should be held by different individuals.

What kind of training or support do POCs, Liaisons, and Cochairs receive?

Volunteers are provided with orientation resources, peer support, and access to IVC’s technical tools and network.

What is the time commitment for a Cochair?

Cochairs commit to monthly planning calls, virtual meetings, and occasional in-person meetings as needed. The overall time commitment averages around 3–5 hours per month.