For Immediate Release: May 2, 2019

Media Contact:
Bennett Truman
Vermont Department of Health
802-951-5153 / 802-863-7281

 

Vermont Primary Care Practices Recognized for High Child and Teen Immunization Rates
CDC Recognizes St. Johnsbury Pediatrician with Childhood Immunization Champion Award
Celebrating National Infant Immunization Week

At a time when the importance of being vaccinated to protect against highly contagious diseases like measles is making nationwide news, 25 primary care practices in Vermont are being recognized by the Vermont Department of Health for achieving high child or teen immunization rates in 2018.

For a medical practice to receive recognition, at least 90% of its child patients must be up to date with immunizations for 11 vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, mumps and whooping cough. At least 80% of teen patients must be vaccinated to prevent meningitis and cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). To be eligible for consideration, providers must have at least 20 teen or child-age patients.

“The providers and staff at these 25 practices deserve recognition and praise for their hard work protecting children who are at their most vulnerable age,” said Vermont’s Immunization Program Director Christine Finley.

Richmond Family Medicine is among those that focus on educating patients and parents about the importance of being protected. “The entire staff at our practice is instrumental in supporting immunization of our patients,” said Richmond’s Dr. Hanna Rabin. “We are all committed to a culture of prevention and recognize the importance of immunizations.” Dr. Rabin said they use a team approach as well as electronic health records to make sure kids are up to date on their vaccines when they are seen in the clinic for any reason − and to identify those who have not been in and are due for vaccines. “Importantly, we spend time with families to be sure that their questions about vaccines are answered.”

Finley said health care providers can have an impact beyond their young patients’ communities. “With outbreaks of potentially dangerous, vaccine-preventable diseases on the rise, especially in communities with low immunization rates, it is very important to ensure that our children and teens are up to date on their recommended vaccinations.”

Parents and care givers are also encouraged to know what immunizations their children need to stay healthy. “We encourage parents and care givers to make sure their children are up to date on all vaccines, and if you are unsure about vaccines, or have any questions at all, talk to your child’s doctor. They will give you the information you need,” said Finley.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also announced that pediatrician Dr. Joshua Kantrowitz of St. Johnsbury Pediatrics at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital is Vermont’s 2019 Childhood Immunization Champion. The national Champion Awards acknowledge the outstanding efforts of individuals who work to ensure that children in their communities are fully immunized against 14 preventable diseases before the age of two.

Dr. Kantrowitz is being recognized, in part, as an educator and a physician who strives to help families feel comfortable with their decision to vaccinate their children. Separate from the CDC’s awards, St. Johnsbury Pediatrics at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital is among the 25 practices recognized by the Health Department.

The awards are being presented during National Infant Immunization Week (April 27-May 4), an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases.

The full list of practices receiving recognition from the Department of Health for high child or teen immunization rates follows:

Practices Recognized for both Child & Teen Immunization Rates:

  • Green Mountain Pediatrics (Bennington)
  • Hagan, Rinehart & Connolly Pediatricians (Burlington)
  • Richmond Family Medicine
  • Gifford Pediatrics (Randolph)

Practices Recognized for Child Immunization Rates:

  • Brattleboro Primary Care - Pediatrics
  • Essex Pediatrics
  • Evergreen Family Health (Williston)
  • Family Practice Associates (Cambridge)
  • Joseph Nasca, MD (Milton)
  • North Country Pediatrics (Newport)
  • Northwestern Pediatrics Enosburg
  • Pediatric Medicine (South Burlington)
  • Rainbow Pediatrics (Middlebury)
  • Richmond Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine
  • Rebecca Collman, MD (Colchester)
  • St. Albans Primary Care
  • St. Johnsbury Pediatrics - Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital
  • Timber Lane Pediatrics North (Burlington)
  • University of Vermont Health Network CVMC Family Medicine - Waterbury
  • University of Vermont Medical Center Family Medicine - Colchester
  • University of Vermont Medical Center Family Medicine - Hinesburg
  • University of Vermont Medical Center Family Medicine - Milton
  • University of Vermont Medical Center Family Medicine - South Burlington
  • Upper Valley Pediatrics Thetford

Practices Recognized for Teen Immunization Rates:

  • Little Rivers Health Care Bradford

Learn more about immunization in Vermont: healthvermont.gov/disease-control/immunization

For more information about National Infant Immunization Week: cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/overview.html

For health news, alerts and information, visit healthvermont.gov
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