Seniors and Volunteers for Childhood Immunization (SVCI)

RSVP launched Seniors and Volunteers for Childhood Immunization (SVCI) in 1997 to raise the immunization rates of preschoolers in Tarrant County and to provide people aged 55 and older an opportunity participate in meaningful community service. SVCI volunteers visit new mothers at area hospitals (Harris Methodist FW, Harris Methodist SW, Arlington Memorial, Medical Center of Arlington, JPS and Baylor All Saints) to inform them about the importance of immunizations and prevention of childhood diseases by having their children immunized on schedule. The mothers and babies are then enrolled in an immunization reminder program.  In 2004 an SVCI volunteer registered the 50,000^th baby in the immunization reminder program. In 2009, a SVCI volunteer registered the 100,000th baby in the immunization program!

Other volunteer opportunities with the program include:

·         Label reminder postcards

·         Package immunization educational material

·         Enter data into computer system

·         Substitute for SVCI hospital volunteers

Funding for SVCI is provided by grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service and the University of North Texas Institute for Research and Education on Aging.

Volunteer through RSVP - to schedule a speaker, or for more information about SVCI, please call Germella Carpenter at 817-413-4949 ext. 208.