#United States #Orlando, Florida #APhA #Immunization Champion #Vaccination Efforts

Highlighting Extraordinary Contributions in Immunization

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) has recently announced the winners of its prestigious 2025 Immunization Champion Awards. This year, seven remarkable recipients have been selected for their exceptional roles in enhancing immunization rates within their communities. These awards not only honor these individuals and organizations but also spotlight the invaluable contributions of pharmacists in promoting public health.

Michael D. Hogue, the Executive Vice President and CEO of APhA, emphasized the importance of the awards, stating, "The APhA Immunization Champion Awards program helps us tell the story of pharmacists' and pharmacy teams' as valued members of the immunization neighborhood, in addition to their contributions to and impact on the health of communities." This acknowledgment is especially significant as it marks the 16th anniversary of this awards program, with over 500,000 trained pharmacy professionals actively administering vaccines and making a difference in health outcomes.

Overview of the Awards

The award recipients were chosen based on criteria such as their impact within their communities, collaboration with other healthcare professionals, originality in their approaches, and their ability to overcome challenges in vaccination efforts. This year, APhA also recognized several corporations and institutions for their support, including pharmaceutical giants like GSK, Moderna, and Pfizer, alongside the CDC.

The awarding ceremony is set to take place on March 24, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM ET in Orlando, Florida, during the 2024 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition.

Individual Categories and Winners

In the Individual Practitioner category, Lisa B. Bade, PharmD from Rockford, Michigan, emerged as the national winner. She was lauded for her innovative strategies in promoting vaccination among her patients. Honorable mention in this category went to Kaitlyn Pegump, PharmD from Iowa City, Iowa, for her collaborative approach to immunization.

In the Corporation/Institution category, the Purdue University Center for Health Equity and Innovation in Indianapolis, Indiana, was recognized as the national winner for its extensive health equity programs aimed at improving vaccination access. The Marquess Group of Pharmacies in Woodstock, Georgia, received honorable mention.

The Pharmacy Team Member category awarded Kaitlyn Priestley, BFA, MS, CPhT from Sarasota, Florida, as the national winner for her outstanding work in community outreach. Alexis Reianna Franks, CPhT from Alamo, Tennessee, garnered honorable mention for her efforts in educating patients about vaccination.

In the Travel Health category, Liz Moir, PharmD from Boise, Idaho, was named the national winner, highlighting her initiatives to ensure travelers have access to essential vaccinations before their journeys.

Background of the Awards

Established in 2008 with the first awards presented in 2009, these special awards were designed to honor pharmacists' vital contributions to increased vaccination rates across the country. The APhA has continually recognized the role of pharmacists in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, enhancing the effectiveness of immunization programs. These outstanding efforts lead to millions of vaccinations administered each year by pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians, making a significant impact on public health.

The APhA Immunization Champion Awards thus not only celebrate individual achievements but also reinforce the critical role pharmacists play in the broader healthcare landscape. With more partnerships between pharmacists, physicians, and public health officials, the future of immunization looks promising, ensuring healthier communities for everyone.

At the heart of such community efforts is the dedication of pharmacists who bridge the gap in healthcare delivery and work tirelessly to safeguard public health through effective immunization initiatives.