2024 Immunization Champion Award Winners

Ashley Bethel is a public health program specialist for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. She connects with each individual regional tribal immunization coordinator across Alaska with profound attention to detail, advocating at various levels to ensure these coordinators have appropriate access and opportunities to meet the needs of their communities. The relationships Ashley has cultivated not only enable communities to access the vaccines they require but also foster an exceptional rapport among tribal immunization coordinators throughout Alaska. With her passion for collaboration, refusal to accept the status quo, and drive to enhance program effectiveness, Ashley has ensured long-lasting benefits for Alaskans over tens of thousands of miles.

Dottie Tuisamatatele is the assistant director of secondary education at the American Samoa Department of Education. She is passionate about ensuring that her students are up to date with their vaccinations. Dottie consistently works to ensure that her students are not sent home from school due to vaccinations. She sends reminder emails and requests updates on coverage on a regular basis to ensure that her students are not missing any vaccines. Dottie is a dedicated voice for vaccines in partnership meetings. She led the charge to train school counselors on vaccines. Under her leadership, the Department of Education Secondary Division has maintained a greater focus on immunization, and high school vaccine coverage increased by 10% within three months of her campaign.

Dr. Angela Valdez-Huizar is a dedicated pediatrician who works tirelessly to promote vaccination among underserved populations, including Native American and Latinx communities. Her insight and expertise have catalyzed significant policy changes at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, such as the implementation of vaccination programs during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and educational training for all staff on vaccination protocols and safety measures. Her passion for education is evident in her relentless efforts to empower families and clinical staff, ultimately enhancing vaccine compliance and promoting public health.

Michelle Contreras, a medical assistant working with the Indian Health Council, has established herself as a respected authority on immunizations. Through her comprehensive training programs within the council, immunization rates have surged by over 25% in the past year. Her mentorship and advocacy fostered a strong team of providers within the council dedicated to promoting immunizations. Beyond her council duties, Michelle has engaged with tribal leaders in the community, organized numerous community outreach events to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines, and spearheaded successful mobile vaccination clinics and reminder systems for vaccine schedules.

Dr. Dheeraj Mahajan is the medical director at Chicago Internal Medicine Practice and Research (CIMPAR). Dr. Mahajan and CIMPAR have demonstrated their passion for vaccination with a strong partnership with the city of Chicago. Their mobile vaccination team was pivotal in vaccinating new arrivals/migrants in Chicago shelters against measles and varicella. Their multilingual team provided pro-bono vaccinations and culturally competent vaccine education to new arrivals late into the night in non-traditional settings during the Chicago measles outbreak in 2024. Under the leadership of Dr. Mahajan, the mobile vaccination team has provided thousands of COVID-19 and flu vaccinations to under- and uninsured Chicago residents since 2021.

Dr. Hector Frisbie has participated in the Champions for Vaccine Equity program since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, consistently going above and beyond for the community. Dr. Frisbie presents vaccine information in a positive, nonjudgmental, non-stigmatizing manner on various social media platforms and television networks, raising awareness about current disease outbreaks and immunization updates. He also conducts vaccine educational workshops in English and Spanish to community leaders and members throughout Colorado. Dr. Frisbie’s phenomenal work has helped bridge the gap to increase routine vaccine education and access for disproportionately impacted communities of color. Dr. Frisbie was awarded the international 2023 Social Media Award for COVID-19 influencers, representing Mexico, his country of origin.

Dr. Fred Santoro operates his own pediatric practice where he provides care and education on vaccinations to countless children in an area of Connecticut considered a provider desert. He is also a former Chairman of Pediatrics at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London, Connecticut. In this role, he extends his influence beyond the children in his care to include children throughout Southeastern Connecticut. Dr. Santoro provides guidance and leadership for the hospital system, collaborating with various healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality care for patients. As a solo practitioner, Dr. S antoro is recognized for his advocacy of childhood vaccination, being among the first providers in Southeastern Connecticut to establish a vaccine policy for his practice and implement the CDC best-practice strategies for improving vaccination rates.

Tiffany Holmberg is the vaccine coordinator at Nemours Children’s Health Pike Creek. Under her leadership, Nemours Children’s Health Pike Creek achieved the highest flu vaccination rate within the Nemours Primary Care network in Delaware. Tiffany has played a crucial role in improving vaccine compliance. She uses a creative and personal approach to patient care, personally contacting patients due for vaccinations and coordinating schedules to accommodate their needs. During the pandemic, Tiffany implemented an age-specific vaccine schedule at Nemours Children’s Health Pike Creek to minimize scheduling errors. 

Dr. Erica Paez is the pediatric director of Atrium Health–Floyd Hospital and a certified breastfeeding-friendly pediatrician. She educates expecting parents about the importance of vaccinations by reviewing the childhood immunization schedule both before and after the child is born. Dr. Paez was among the first Vaccines for Children providers to implement a COVID-19 program in her area during the pandemic and was able to quickly protect her community. Her educational initiatives, commitment to continuous process improvement, leadership within the hospital, and vigilance regarding her office’s immunization coverage rates have resulted in infant and adolescent immunization coverage rates of 90% or higher, exceeding state, national, and Healthy People 2030 goals.

Dr. Sandra Chang is a professor and graduate chair at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, where she conducts research on malaria vaccines and co-founded the University Student Immunization Initiative. Outside of the university, Dr. Chang volunteered to co-lead the state medical working group for COVID-19 vaccination during the pandemic to ensure providers had the right information before voting for implementation of vaccine related policies and procedures in the state. Additionally, she is the co-chair for a committee in the Vaccine Preventable Cancer Workgroup and led a community effort between the university and local public high schools in establishing a peer education program to increase vaccine acceptance. Dr. Chang is active with the Hawai’i Immunization Coalition providing numerous educational opportunities for state partners and advocates extending her influence widely throughout the state.

Vanessa Moore, LVN, goes above and beyond to promote pediatric immunizations in her community. She ensures every child in her practice is up to date on their immunizations by diligently maintaining and updating immunization records in the Texas Immunization Registry. Her approach includes meticulous tracking of children who are missing immunizations and personally following up to provide education and ensure they receive the necessary vaccines. She is always positive and willing to help, embodying the spirit of teamwork and community service. Throughout her nursing career, Vanessa has seized every opportunity to deepen her knowledge about vaccines, viewing it as an honor and a privilege to serve her community and help others.

Karen Sharpnack is the executive director of the Immunization Coalition of Idaho. She has played a key role in pro-immunization advocacy efforts over many years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Karen had an impressive vision for the Idaho Immunization Coalition’s contribution to increasing access and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine. Karen led the Immunization Coalition’s mobile vaccination efforts throughout southern Idaho. She has prioritized partnerships and collaborations that address the comprehensive health needs of refugees, uninsured, and underinsured individuals. Karen has leveraged federal vaccine funding with other sources to be able to provide comprehensive health screenings to both English, and non-English speaking individuals.

Zoe Zurawski, RN, is a public health immunization nurse who works diligently to develop strong relationships to ensure clients are well-informed and comfortable with vaccination decisions. Zoe has led the effort in developing a homebound vaccine program and instituted protocols for intake and determined a list of vaccines that would meet the client’s needs. The homebound vaccine program partnered with Meals on Wheels to connect information about the program with each meal that went out. Zoe excels at communicating with diverse groups and is always willing to accommodate the unique needs and questions of each individual.

Connie Heflin is the executive director of Super Shot, a nonprofit with a mission to ensure that all children in Indiana are protected against vaccine preventable diseases. Connie oversees one of the largest Vaccines for Children practices in Indiana and serves as the vaccination safety net for residents of Allen County and the eight surrounding counties. She engages community partners to meet the needs of the jurisdiction on issues outside of vaccinations so that families do not have barriers to vaccinations. For example, Connie works with MdWise to provide social services such as Medicaid enrollment and food supplemental supplies at vaccination events. Connie has been intentional about increasing HPV vaccinations in the adolescent population and has made it her personal mission to protect as many adolescents as possible from HPV-related illnesses and cancers.

Heather Vande Kieft is the pharmacy manager at Hy-Vee in the rural community of Sioux Center, Iowa. As a pharmacist, Heather understands the importance of building relationships and trust with every patient, especially when it comes to vaccines. Over the past year, when new vaccine recommendations were introduced, Heather encouraged her patients to consider getting multiple vaccines during their visits. Thanks to her efforts, Heather’s pharmacy increased vaccine co-administration by 20%. As a result of Heather’s outreach and education efforts, her pharmacy increased the number of Shingrix vaccinations by 79%. Heather’s passion for vaccines is contagious and her creative thinking and ideas have brought new energy to the community.

Amy Gotee, RN, is the VFC coordinator for Fairview Community Health which serves up to 14,000 patients. Amy goes above and beyond to ensure the vaccine department can meet the needs of patients, many of whom are refugees. Amy and her team provide education about vaccines, coordinate with other agencies, and collaborate effectively with parents. Amy is regarded in the community as a trusted messenger regarding vaccines; she communicates with many schools and other clinics to answer questions about coordinating care for patients. As a parent of two children, Amy strongly feels it is essential for every child to be protected from the many diseases we vaccinate against.

Dr. Catherine O’Neal is the chief medical officer at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s largest hospital. Dr. O’Neal is one of the state’s most trusted sources of information, both by the public and medical community. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. O’Neal’s leadership at Our Lady of the Lake was pivotal and garnered recognition from state officials, including Governor John Bel Edwards. As an educator she plays an important role in continuing the partnership between Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center and Louisiana State University, providing training opportunities for medical students and residents. During the pandemic, Dr. O’Neal volunteered with Health and Human Services, We Can Do This COVID-19 Public Education Campaign and was invited to serve as the chief medical advisor to the Southeastern Conference Commissioner to provide guidance on the health and safety of student athletes.

Peggy Akers has dedicated the last 30 years to serving as a nurse practitioner and shows no signs of slowing down. Peggy has reduced barriers for those seeking access to vaccine, traveling day and night, by car, ferry, and even making house calls, hospital calls, and airport calls. Her efforts have helped students stay in school with required vaccines, protected the elderly from hospital admissions during cold and flu season, helped asylum seekers comply with immigration requirements to avoid deportation, and supported work readiness compliance. Peggy studied at Columbia University in New York, served in the Army Nurse Corps from 1969 to 1972, and worked in hospitals in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971, earning the Bronze Star Award. She later returned the Bronze Star as a statement of support for peace.

Theresa Covell is an assistant public health nurse in Massachusetts. Since assuming her role, she has made significant strides in reducing language barriers to vaccination by translating in-house registration, consent, and insurance paperwork into Portuguese and Spanish. Beyond language access, Theresa has also worked to eliminate transportation issues that prevent vaccination efforts. She organized and held a special clinic for unvaccinated students at the Barnstable Family and Community Engagement Center and a vaccination clinic for immigrant families from Barnstable Public Schools, held in partnership with the fire department, the food pantry, and Team Maureen which provides HPV education. Theresa views her role as a public health nurse, as an opportunity to bridge the HPV vaccine gap and prevent cancer among area students. Her work aims to address injustices and inequities while advocating for changes that improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Lisa Bade is the clinical care coordinator who coordinates the pharmacy immunization program for SpartanNash, which operates pharmacies in 6 states. She immunizes patients at company clinics and events and has also done so as an embedded pharmacist at Internal Medicine and Pediatrics of West Michigan (IMPWM). Lisa organized and spearheaded the pediatric COVID-19 vaccination efforts at IMPWM, a first-of-its-kind display of private sector physician/pharmacist partnerships in Michigan. Additionally, Lisa conceived of the “Immunize at ArtPrize” initiative at the annual ArtPrize festival in Grand Rapids, a 19-day art festival in downtown Grand Rapids that attracts over a million attendees each year. She has helped spread public awareness about pharmacist training, capability, and role in the immunization neighborhood, as well as advocacy in the 2023 legislative effort that added independent immunization authority to Michigan pharmacist scope of practice with the passage of SB 219.

Dr. Dorina Fred serves as the chief of public health for Chuuk, the largest Micronesian state. Dr. Fred has demonstrated strong leadership and communication skills, creating an open and safe environment to promote cohesiveness among her peers. She promotes immunization activities and is an advocate for public health outreach services, ensuring that populations in need receive better healthcare. Dr. Fred is a strong advocate for all immunization activities. With her leadership and management, all public health programs were able to provide services to communities as a united public health team.

Tara Goebel is the school nurse and health services coordinator in South Washington county school district, which serves 19,500 students across 29 school buildings. Prior to the 2023-2024 school year, the district saw a significant decrease in immunization rates with thousands of students at risk of school exclusion due to incomplete required vaccination records. To address this issue, Tara collaborated with the Washington County Public Health Department and took full advantage of a funding opportunity to contract with a vaccine vendor and brought immunizations to her community. She and her school nursing staff personally contacted every family behind on vaccines to discuss getting their student(s) up to date and what their options were. As a result of Tara and her team’s efforts, there was a remarkable 96% decrease in the number of students facing exclusion from school.

Kristin Brummel serves as Hy-Vee pharmacy manager and works to prioritize flu shots year-round. When flu shots ramp up in the fall, she schedules dedicated vaccinators to ensure both scheduled and walk-in patients don’t have to wait. She also hires extra staff to keep up with the daily pharmacy demand and has a third counter dedicated solely to vaccines. Her team opens every possible slot in the online scheduler to maximize the number of patients they can see in a day. Kristin has created a workplace centered around support and care, where employees want to stay. And when they stay, they create consistency and build trust with long-term patients. In 2023, Kristin’s pharmacy saw a 42% increase in patients who received more than one vaccine at their visit, and numbers for flu shots were close to steady.

Venessa Morfin is a pharmacist dedicated to improving immunization rates within her community. She actively educates her teams on vaccine updates, trends, and disease outbreaks. She has collaborated with key partners such as the Nevada State Immunization Program, Southern Nevada Health District, Nevada Senior Services, Asian Community Development Council, and Immunize Nevada. Together with Immunize Nevada and Clark County School District, Venessa’s team successfully administered 1,300 vaccines to children who lacked access over a 12-month period. Venessa also worked with the Nevada Immunization Program to administer vaccines such as influenza, pneumonia, and shingles vaccines in long-term care facilities. Venessa educates not only her pharmacy team but trains future pharmacists about the vital role they will play in vaccine advocacy and increasing immunization rates in their own communities.

Deborah Milligan is the primary vaccine coordinator at Ammonoosuc Community Health Services (ACHS) in Littleton, New Hampshire, overseeing support for ACHS’s other clinics in Whitefield, Warren, Woodsville, and Franconia. Debbie is committed to educating parents and children about the importance of immunization and preventative care during well-child visits and scheduling follow-up appointments, so they stay on track with current immunization schedules. She works to improve efficient vaccine delivery, by providing clinical staff with access to educational materials or assistive charts to aid in the safety and quality of vaccine administration. Her efforts have been pivotal in facilitating the integration of each ACHS location with the NH Immunization Information System, ensuring a seamless transition for staff and accurate documentation.

Daisy Maldonado serves as the empowerment congress program director and leads the charge of making immunizations realistically accessible in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. Doña Ana County is home to 37 designated colonias – unincorporated, rural communities along the U.S./Mexico border. These colonias face multiple infrastructure challenges, including poverty, limited access to pharmacies and clinics, and high rates of underinsured or uninsured individuals. Empowerment Congress connects the residents of the colonias to vaccination opportunities. To facilitate immunization, Daisy’s team collaborated with the New Mexico Department of Health to provide vaccine clinics at unconventional locations such as gas stations and processing plants. During the RSV and COVID-19 vaccine shortages, Daisy worked with the Department of Health to host clinics prioritizing underinsured and uninsured people. From July 2023 to May 2024, 526 people were vaccinated through Empowerment Congress’ participation in the Better Together program. In July 2024, Daisy will expand Empowerment Congress’ vaccination access and information initiatives to the neighboring Luna and Otero Counties.

Susan Bayh-Martino is the director of infection prevention at Zucker Hillside Hospital, a free-standing psychiatric hospital in Queens that offers a continuum of care from outpatient to inpatient services. Susan promotes vaccinations for behavioral health patients through a multifaceted approach that includes educating both staff and patients about the importance of vaccinations, emphasizing their benefits, and addressing vaccine hesitancy through regular training sessions and accessible educational materials. She also develops and implements robust vaccination policies within the hospital, ensuring compliance with guidelines and integrating vaccination schedules into routine care. Susan’s work significantly improves the health outcomes for this patient population by improving health outcomes and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. By protecting patients, she helps maintain a safe healthcare environment, protecting both patients and staff while ensuring high-quality care.

Dr. Christoph Diasio is a dedicated pediatrician who advocates for both patients and providers on a local, state, and national scale. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Diasio was on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Vision 2020 Task Force and is co-chair of the North Carolina Pediatric Council and currently a member of the AAP Payor Advocacy Advisory Committee. Dr. Diasio has a strong partnership with the North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) via the North Carolina Pediatric Society. He is often sought for his guidance when new challenges arise, including the COVID-19 vaccine program implementation for pediatric practices and the 2023-2024 nirsevimab rollout. He ensures that the NCIP is kept up to date on provider concerns, supports the enrollment of pediatric offices into the COVID-19 Vaccine Program, and serves as a voice for Vaccines for Children providers. He has written several immunization-related publications and given many presentations on addressing vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, including recently as a keynote speaker at the NCIP State Conference in May 2024.

Joan Galbraith was integral to the CHI St. Alexius Birthing Center during the implementation of RSV mAB, working alongside the physicians, administration, and nursing staff to roll out a successful campaign ensuring that newborns had adequate access to the RSV mAB. Joan and her team developed a simplified workflow to make the implementation process smooth. Her work has ensured that infants born at her facility are able to receive the RSV mAB, preventing them from developing serious infection. Joan and her staff were able to implement a policy within a very short time frame, making their birthing center the only one in North Dakota to administer RSV mAB prior to hospital discharge.

Heather Pangelinan is the director of public health services at Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation. She demonstrates innovation by creating strategies that are culturally competent, relatable, and approachable. She advocates for immunization and vaccination services for the community, while engaging with other programs, partners, and stakeholders to increase collaboration and participation in protecting individuals from vaccine-preventable diseases. Heather has been committed to improving immunization and vaccinations in her jurisdiction. She is dedicated to increasing vaccine awareness, preventing mis-/dis-information, and increasing vaccination coverage for routine vaccinations.

Jenna Everett led the partnership between OhioHealth Dublin Family Medicine and Dublin City Schools in 2021, which now includes four schools for the 2024-2025 school year. This collaboration has increased immunization rates for students with limited access to care due to financial barriers and other social determinants of health. Jenna developed the policies and best practices for workflows and operational logistics to meet project needs. The Dublin Family Medicine School-based Clinic has had 227 student encounters and administered 527 vaccines this school year, eliminating barriers for students so they can participate in school sports and work in the Dublin community. Jenna has attended every Open House and Curriculum Night at each school to connect with students and families and familiarize them with the immunization program.

Christy Stewart is a pediatric nurse practitioner who runs Estrellitas Pediatrics, a bilingual family clinic serving the Latine population in Tulsa. Christy has developed strong protocols to ensure that all patients have the information they need and have access to vaccines. The vaccine policy is communicated with caregivers and the clinic accommodates families as much as possible to ensure patients are up to date on their schedule. Additionally, Christy and her staff have successfully participated in the Immunization Quality Improvement Project (IQIP) with the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program which assessed 79 13-year-old patients at the clinic. Coverage rates for the group saw Tdap and MCV at 96%, and up-to-date HPV at 89%. Of those same 79 patients, 100% of them had received their first dose of HPV which is almost unheard of in the area. Oklahoma is proud to partner with Christy on her continued efforts to promote vaccinations and be a healthcare leader in her community.

Sallie Dean is the community health vaccine manager for Aviva Health located in Oregon’s fifth-largest county. With over two decades of expertise with the organization, Sallie has dedicated much of her professional career to ensuring children and families in the area receive life-saving vaccinations. Known by her colleagues as “Sallie Dean, the Vaccine Queen,” she has championed efforts to increase vaccine uptake and dispel misinformation about their safety and effectiveness. Sallie has single-handedly administered thousands of vaccinations and works tirelessly to educate the community on the importance of vaccinations and combat misinformation.

Jenni Black is the chief operating officer of Union Community Care in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Jenni and her team at Union Community Care were the first Vaccines for Children (VFC) provider in Pennsylvania to implement the Accuvax vaccine storage system and hosted training sessions for providers outside of their organization. She designed a business model to use pharmacy profits to purchase private adult vaccines, especially the HPV vaccine, to vaccinate their uninsured patients. Jenni partnered with the Lancaster School District to establish six Vaccine for Children (VFC) program provider locations within the district. She and her team also conducted outreach to the Amish population by providing in-home and horse-and-buggy healthcare services.

Patricia Hewson is the clinic manager at A.D.R.O.P. Unity Clinic. Since July 2023, she has doubled the number of vaccines administered by the clinic and expanded the vaccine inventory in the clinic to include MMR, Prevnar 20, and the HPV vaccine. Patricia has not only shown great leadership at the Unity Clinic in leading the cause for vaccinations, but she has also developed effective strategies to empower her entire staff to advocate for vaccinations. She instituted standing orders for the intake nurses in her clinic to address gaps in patients’ vaccination records. Since most patients who visit A.D.R.O.P. Unity Clinic are undocumented immigrants, Patricia ensures that each patient visit is an opportunity to update their vaccination schedule.

Dr. Hector Villanueva is the senior clinical advisor at HPM Foundation, Inc. dba HealthproMed. Dr. Villanueva was instrumental in implementing the dengue vaccine at HealthproMed. He identified several challenges associated with administering the dengue vaccine and worked with his team to minimize these obstacles. Dr. Villanueva advocated for the dengue vaccine within his community by creating educational materials and launching a social media campaign to educate community members and parents about the vaccine. He and his team established educational booths where patients could obtain information and ask questions about the vaccine.

Henrietta White-Holder is the chief executive officer (CEO) and founder of Higher Ground International (HGI) Rukiya Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 2008, this nonprofit organization assists refugees and immigrants, particularly those from Liberia and other West African nations. Leveraging her experience as a refugee from Liberia, Henrietta has transformed HGI into a vital organization addressing food security, nutrition, wellness, and immunization education. Her innovative leadership includes partnering with the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) to promote vaccine confidence and improve uptake through pop-up clinics, community events, and culturally relevant educational materials. A breast cancer and COVID-19 survivor, she is also a social entrepreneur and a humanitarian, bringing clean water and sanitation to over 10,000 people in Liberia. Her efforts have reached over 50,000 individuals in Rhode Island, showcasing her dedication to inclusivity and health equity.

Dr. Hala El Maraghy, an independent practitioner at Full Care Pediatrics, is a true advocate for vaccine administration. As a solo practitioner in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, she administers a high volume of vaccines, including an impressive 4,182 VFC doses throughout 2023. Dr. Maraghy is dedicated to educating her patients and their guardians about the importance of timely vaccinations, going as far as implementing early HPV vaccination promotion starting at age 9. Dr. Maraghy’s friendly demeanor and warm interactions with patients exemplify her dedication to ensuring that both VFC and privately insured patients receive timely vaccinations.

Marvella Ford is the associate director of community outreach and engagement at the Medical University of South Carolina, Hollings Cancer Center (MUSC). In response to the increase in HPV rates in South Carolina, the MUSC HPV Vax Van was established. Under Marvella’s leadership, the MUSC HPV Vax Van bridges the gap between citizens and providers regarding immunization. The MUSC HPV Vax Van enrolled in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and now carries all VFC stock when they travel. The program has connected with a large variety of community partners, public health organizations, and schools across the state. In the past year, Marvella and her mobile team have traveled to over 50 schools or community events to offer education and immunizations. This effort has resulted in over 1,500 vaccinations being administered to those in need.

Sara Hicks, the immunization coordinator for Lewis Drug, is a dedicated advocate for vaccination across diverse populations and all age groups throughout the state. Sarah addresses barriers to vaccination through proactive outreach, organizing numerous on-site vaccine events, and collaborating with local universities to staff these events. She ensures vaccine accessibility in various settings, including long-term care facilities, schools, and community centers, prioritizing comprehensive immunization coverage. Sara worked with a mobile food pantry and was featured on the news. Her efforts in educating and counseling patients and staff at Lewis Drug locations have fostered a culture of proactive immunization advocacy, leading to a notable impact on public health and well-being.

Dr. Theodore Lyons II is the clinical director at ShotRx, a pioneering immunization clinic he founded in 2021 to combat COVID-19 and vaccination hesitancy. His extensive partnerships include the Shelby County health department, Tennessee Department of Health, Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and numerous schools and churches. Beyond COVID-19, he promotes and provides childhood and HPV vaccinations and critical services to the homeless. Dr. Lyons has delivered over 18,000 COVID vaccinations and 4,000 childhood vaccinations since ShotRx’s inception, while also conducting over 100 educational talks. His commitment to face-to-face community engagement and education stems from his early work in increasing vaccination rates among African American and Hispanic communities, a principle he continues to champion today.

Heather Skeels is the health data operations director with Bi-State Primary Care Association and has used her position to significantly advance awareness and access to vaccinations in underserved communities. Heather has worked with the Vermont Immunization Program since the beginning of the pandemic. As the liaison between the Vermont Immunization Program and the state’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), she has effectively promoted trainings, encouraged FQHCs to host community clinics, and communicated barriers to improve understanding of the immunization landscape. Additionally, Heather advocates for practices utilizing the Immunization Registry to its full capacity, leading to 100% participation of local FQHCs in Vermont in the Bridge Access Program, significantly impacting vaccination rates. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Heather remained a steadfast advocate for immunization, embodying the true spirit of a champion for public health.

Janney Ferrol-Hawley of the Virgin Islands Department of Health is the head nurse at the MCH Clinic in St. Thomas. She is a dedicated advocate for children’s healthcare, ensuring adherence to CDC guidelines and the vaccine mandates of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health and Education. Actively involved in outreach events, she also helps manage a regular clinic on the neighboring island of St. John and maintains strong collaboration with other health centers to keep the pediatric population up to date with vaccinations. As a seasoned nurse and asset to the MCH Clinic, Janney is committed to the health and well-being of the community, continually advancing best practices in childhood immunizations.

Dr. Carolyn Moneymaker is a board-certified pediatrician at Children’s Hospitals of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia, and is a distinguished leader in immunization advocacy. Dr. Moneymaker has educated the public and her colleagues on the importance of immunization since 1996, employing strategies to counter vaccine hesitancy such as introducing the immunization coalition mascot, “Tracker.” She has been a pivotal figure in Virginia’s immunization coalitions, serving with both Project Immunize Virginia (PIV) in 1996 and currently as the steering committee chair of Immunization VA. Her advocacy extends to policymaking, where she has influenced legislative initiatives including the implementation and codification of the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS). Dr. Moneymaker’s dedication is rooted in her early career experiences with vaccine-preventable diseases and her passion for history, which drives her to ensure high vaccination rates and protect public health.

Jazel Bautista is the owner and pharmacist at Acts Pharmacy and Healthcare Services in Tacoma, Washington, and has been a tireless advocate for community level vaccination since the pandemic. She supported 51 community vaccine events in 2023 and partnered with 36 organizations to administer 1,320 doses. Jazel collaborates with many groups, including the Washington State Pharmacy Association and the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, to reach marginalized populations. As a subject matter expert for the Department of Health and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, she advocates for stronger public health-pharmacy relationships. Her pharmacy is the only local participant in the Vaccines for Children Program, and her dedication to public health has earned Acts Pharmacy multiple awards, including this, Pierce County Chamber of Commerce Spotlight on Business Award and recognition from the Washington Department of Health. Jazel and her team have built a reputation for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one goes without necessary vaccinations.

Zoua Yang, a pharmacist at Wausau Family Pharmacy, coordinated over 500 vaccine clinics in Wisconsin and Michigan, training over 50 healthcare professionals at CVS Pharmacy. Her agile leadership and dedication to adapting to changing guidelines were crucial. In 2022, she founded Wausau Family Pharmacy, focusing on vaccine administration and education, particularly in rural areas and underserved communities. Zoua collaborates with various organizations to host vaccination clinics and provides home visits for patients unable to travel. Her pharmacy has donated hundreds of vaccines to uninsured individuals. Passionate about education, she is also a preceptor for pharmacy students and is pursuing a law degree to better navigate healthcare regulations and improve access to vaccines.