The Extension Collaboration on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE) is a nationwide initiative led by U.S. Cooperative Extension to provide adult immunization education. EXCITE is made possible through an interagency agreement between the United States Department of Agriculture – National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with a cooperative agreement with the Extension Foundation in partnership with the ECOP Health Program Action Team.
EXCITE’s goals are to help rural and other key audiences make informed decisions around vaccinations, strengthen connections between communities and healthcare systems, and support local community partners in implementing programs that increase health outcomes.
Why Cooperative Extension?
Since 1862, Cooperative Extension has been a trusted source of evidence-based information across the country, helping people informed decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities. Recognizing this reach, the CDC partnered with Cooperative Extension to launch EXCITE and help bridge gaps in adult vaccine education, particularly in rural areas. EXCITE works with local partners to boost public confidence in adult immunizations and respond to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Extension Foundation’s Role
On behalf of the Cooperative Extension System (CES), the Extension Foundation serves as Principal Investigator and provides Grant administration and fiscal oversight, operational and technological support, system-wide communication and innovation processes, data collection and dashboards, and partnership development.
