Christina Clapp, BSN, RN

Responsible for overseeing the procurement and distribution of vaccines that are federally funded for the State of TN Health Departments and private facilities enrolled in the VFC, 317, and Bridge programs. I also oversee the transport couriers that are strategically placed across the state, ensuring they are well equipped and supported. My role includes ensuring vaccines are ordered, stored, and distributed efficiently and according to CDC requirements. I provide training on immunizations in general, staying abreast of all the latest information, and serve as a subject matter expert to my team. I lead two teams simultaneously, with careful collaboration as many of my staff are spread throughout the state in different locations. Since beginning my role, I have effectively developed a strategic process that has enabled both our teams to work together seamlessly in order to prevent wastage of federally funded immunizations throughout Tennessee.

The position consisted of covering 15 county health departments and 100+ private facilities where I conducted VFC and 317 program audits and provided education on the program requirements and immunizations. I served as a strategic part of the of the CEDs department, where I took on various leads. I lead a team of investigators during the COVID-19 pandemic and also had a key role in a large Hepatitis A outbreak investigation. I gained experience in case investigations during my time in this position, including but not limited to pertussis, rabies, Hepatitis, etc. I supervised the Vaccine Strike Team during my time at East Region as well, ensuring they were well equipped and supported for their roles within the jails and community administering vaccinations. I provided education on communicable disease and disease prevention to providers and health department staff. I served as a subject matter expert on immunizations for East Regional Office.

I assisted the Immunization Program Manager with VFC audits during my time in this role before I was promoted to manager. I served as the Perinatal Hepatitis B Coordinator for East Region where I case managed the vaccination and post serology testing of infants who were at risk.

I served as a public health nurse in clinic at the Sevier County Health Department. I worked at some point in every program- WIC, Family Planning, General Clinic, etc. During my time here I led an initiative to improve obesity and promote healthy eating through a program called Microclinics. I successfully led a small community gathering weekly at the health department and provided education and encouragement to those who participated. Participants collaborated together and encouraged one another under my direction to improve their health. In addition, I had the opportunity to be the sole operator of the retinal screening machine that our clinic was given through a grant. I went through training and was able to provide this service to diabetic patients who qualified during my time there.

In this position, I took records of birthdates and times, baby weights, lengths, head circumferences and APGAR scores. I maintained up-to-date knowledge of obstetric advancements and evidence-based practices through ongoing professional education. I assisted physicians with cesarean sections, forceps deliveries, and vacuum extractions to ensure safe births for both mother and baby. In addition, I assisted mothers in times of grieving during miscarriages.

During this role, I developed strong rapport with patients in the step-down unit, easing anxieties during transitions of care from intensive care units or surgical wards. I gained experience through administering medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians. This role enabled me to demonstrate proficiency in managing multiple high-acuity patients simultaneously while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.

In this role I was trained to provide crisis intervention services, resulting in timely assistance and support for clients in need. I developed strong rapport with clients, maintaining open communication channels and trust throughout the counseling process. My role was to ensure safety of clients and staff in an inpatient, high acute facility.