Vaccination Conversations with Scientists

We are local scientists sharing the science behind vaccines with you.

Our volunteer scientists answer your vaccine questions judgment-free, evidence-based, and community-focused.

Welcome!

Vaccination Conversations with Scientists (VaCS) is an outreach initiative promoting vaccine uptake by connecting scientists with community members to have conversations about the science behind vaccines. We are based in Ithaca, NY and have many volunteer scientists from Cornell University as well as other colleges and universities.

Ask VaCS!

Do you have a vaccine-related question for our scientists?
Want us to fact-check a link or source?
Contact us!

What does VaCS do?

VaCS volunteers talking with community members at the 2026 Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off in Ithaca, NY

We have conversations with people about vaccination, answer questions, and provide educational information about vaccines developed by our volunteer scientists

We attend community events big and small-from big festivals and fairs, to community centers and mutual aid distribution sites.

copy of 20251005 122510 — VaCS hosts a table at the 4th Annual Latinx Heritage Fiesta in 2025 alongside community partners

calling areas — Map of phone banking calls made during VaCS’ COVID-19 phone banking campaign

We also reach people by phone banking: listening and responding to people’s concerns about COVID-19 vaccines and collecting data for research on vaccine hesitancy

We encourage and participate in community dialogue about vaccines

20260730 215540 — VaCS director Kara Rode Webber, PhD participates in a moderated discussion about the childhood vaccine schedule after a showing of “Eureka Day” at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, NY in July 2026

20250426 125920 — VaCS volunteers making “Immune Cell Slime” with kids at the 2025 YMCA Healthy Kids Day in Ithaca, NY

VaCS develops STEM activities for kids that teach about vaccines, our immune system, and how to stay healthy

Ask your questions about the childhood immunization schedule

Your question will be responded to by volunteer scientists from VaCS and local pediatricians. Your question may be chosen for an extended video response shared by our partners at the Immunization Coalition of Tompkins County!

Submit your question

We currently serve the greater Ithaca, NY area in Tompkins, Cortland, Chemung, and Seneca counties.

Contact us if you’re a scientist who would like to start a VaCS Chapter in your local area

VaCS by Numbers:

Scientists love data! Here’s some figures showing our recent impact.

Conversations between our volunteer scientists and community members at local events in 2025

Phone calls to community members encouraging COVID-19 vaccination & collecting data on vaccine hesitancy

of our conversations with people unvaccinated for COVID-19 raised vaccination intent

Cornell & local scientists volunteer with VaCS.
Get involved today!

Community events attended in 2025 in the Ithaca, NY and surrounding areas talking with people about vaccines

Donate

Vaccination Conversations with Scientists is a fiscally sponsored project of the Center for Transformative Action, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

If you would like to contribute to our mission in support of our scientists and vaccine conversations, use the button below to make a donation.

DONATE