The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) has opened nominations for the 2018 Childhood Immunization Champion Award. The Champion Award is intended to recognize individuals who are working at the local level, and honors those who are doing an exemplary job to promote childhood immunizations in their communities. The award will honor up to one Champion from each of the 50 U.S. states, 8 U.S. Territories and Freely Associated States, and the District of Columbia.
When nominating and selecting a Champion, state and territorial Immunization Program Managers will base their nominations on one or more of the following criteria:
- Leadership
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Advocacy
Champions may include coalition members, parent advocates, health care professionals, and other immunization leaders who meet the award criteria. Nomination forms should be submitted to the Immunization Program Manager in the state or territory in which the nominee resides. The suggested deadline for nominations is February 2, 2018, however, nominators should contact their immunization program to find out if they have a different deadline. Awards will be announced during National Infant Immunization Week (April 21-28, 2018), and each awardee will receive a certificate and be featured on the CDC’s vaccine website.
To learn more about this exciting opportunity and to access materials for your use in promoting the award, please visit: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/champions.