APhA Honors 2025 Immunization Champions
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) proudly announces the recipients of its 2025 Immunization Champion Awards, an initiative designed to honor individuals and organizations that have significantly improved vaccination rates in their communities. This prestigious recognition reflects the ongoing commitment and dedication of pharmacists and pharmacy teams in enhancing public health through effective immunization strategies.
Celebrating Contributions to Public Health
In a statement from APhA, leaders emphasized the importance of the immunization program, showcasing how pharmacists are integral to the healthcare continuum. According to Michael D. Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, the Executive Vice President and CEO of APhA, "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 year marks the 16th anniversary of these awards, highlighting the vital roles that over 500,000 trained pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians play in their communities.
How Recipients are Chosen
Nominees for the Immunization Champion Awards undergo thorough evaluations based on various criteria, including their impact on vaccination efforts, collaboration with other healthcare professionals, originality in their approaches, and their ability to overcome challenges while creating opportunities for other pharmacists. APhA also acknowledges the support from prominent organizations such as GSK, Moderna, Novavax, Pfizer, VaxServe/Sanofi, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in fostering this program.
Awards Presentation Details
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place during the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition. This grand event will occur on March 24, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM ET. It will be an opportunity for the community to gather and celebrate the achievements of those dedicated to advancing immunization efforts.
Recognizing Individual Practitioners
This year, the national winner for the Individual Practitioner category is Lisa B. Bade, PharmD, recognized for her exceptional contributions from Rockford, MI. Honorable mention goes to Kaitlyn Pegump, PharmD, from Iowa City, IA, for her noteworthy work in promoting vaccination initiatives.
Corporate and Institutional Leadership
Among institutions, the Purdue University Center for Health Equity and Innovation in Indianapolis, IN, has been awarded the national winner title, showcasing their commitment to advancing health equity through vaccination programs. The Marquess Group of Pharmacies from Woodstock, GA, received an honorable mention for their outstanding contributions in this area.
Acknowledging Pharmacy Team Members
In the Pharmacy Team Member category, the national winner is Kaitlyn Priestley, BFA, MS, CPhT, hailing from Sarasota, FL. Her dedication to patient care and immunization efforts has set a benchmark in the pharmacy community. Alexis Reianna Franks, CPhT, from Alamo, TN, also received an honorable mention acknowledging her contributions to enhancing immunization awareness.
Focus on Travel Health
Recognizing the critical aspect of travel health, Liz Moir, PharmD, from Boise, ID, is honored as the national winner in this category. Her expertise has played a significant role in promoting vaccination for travelers, ensuring they are protected against potential health risks.
History of the Awards
APhA established these special awards in 2008, with the first presentations taking place in 2009. The initiative aims to acknowledge the essential roles that pharmacists play in improving vaccination rates and public health strategies within their communities. Each year, the association emphasizes the importance of teamwork focusing on collaboration between pharmacists, physicians, public health officials, pharmacy technicians, and other immunization stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the APhA Immunization Champion Awards?
The APhA Immunization Champion Awards are given annually to individuals and organizations that have outstandingly contributed to increasing vaccination rates in their communities.
Who are some notable past recipients of this award?
Past recipients include pharmacists, pharmacy teams, and institutions recognized for exceptional efforts in supporting immunization initiatives.
How does APhA evaluate nominees for the awards?
Nominees are assessed based on their impact, collaboration, originality, and ability to create opportunities for pharmacists in immunization practices.
When will the awards ceremony take place?
The awards will be presented on March 24, 2024, during the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition.
Why are pharmacists important in the immunization process?
Pharmacists are crucial healthcare providers who administer millions of vaccines annually, playing an essential role in increasing vaccination rates and improving public health.
