Know a Fabulous Pro-Vax Parent or Provider?

We're putting the call out. The CDC wants to recognize the efforts of parents, health care professionals (Nurses, pediatricians, other physicians, medical assistants, etc), immunization advocates, and other fearless pro-vax champions, with their CDC Childhood Immunization Champion Award.

This is a new annual award that recognizes individuals doing exceptional work in the area of childhood immunization. This is not easy work, especially on the front lines. To get into this line of work is to invite heaps of abuse from anti-vaxxers, but the rewards are so great: healthy kids, happy parents, and safe and healthy communities.

Do you know anyone who helped reassure you about the safety of vaccines? A pediatrician who took the time to listen to your concerns and then gently but firmly tell you vaccines are safe for your child--and why? What about another parent who does work in the community? 

Here's the cool part--each of the fifty states, and the District of Columbia, get to select a CDC Immunization Champion. Awardees are recognized at both the local and the national level during National Infant Immunization Week, April 21-28th, 2012. So no matter where you're reading this, you can submit someone for nomination.

You can find the nomination forms and more information about the award at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/champions/childhood.html.

Nominations are due February 10th, 2012. If you live in Minnesota, you can send completed nominations to:

Andrea Ahneman

Immunization, TB & International Health
Minnesota Department of Health

P.O. Box 64975

St. Paul, MN 55164

Email: andrea.ahneman@state.mn.us