Parikshit S. Kumar M.D. Receives Childhood Immunization Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2013
LANSING - Parikshit S. Kumar M.D. from Caro Family Physicians, in Caro, Mich. has been named a Childhood Immunization Champion in recognition of his outstanding efforts to promote childhood immunization.
Each year, in connection with National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), the CDC Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) honor health professionals and community leaders from around the country with the CDC Childhood Immunization Champion awards. These awards acknowledge exemplary individuals who go above and beyond to promote or foster immunizations among children 0-2 years old in their communities.
"Immunization plays a key role in protecting the health of America's children," said Dr. Melinda Wharton, Acting Director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. "Ensuring that all children are immunized requires a cadre of dedicated health professionals and community leaders nationwide. The Champion awards give us the opportunity to salute these individuals for their service to our children."
Dr. Kumar promotes immunizations within his practice and in the Caro community. He is a pediatrician that participates in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program in Tuscola County and collaborates with the Tuscola County Immunization Coalition to decrease barriers to vaccines.
"Immunizations are a top priority for me and my office, I am very honored to receive this award," said Dr. Kumar. "I believe that immunizations are important in preventing communicable diseases. It is my goal to immunize all children and to educate parents that refuse vaccines, getting them to change their minds."
The 2013 CDC Childhood Immunization Champions were selected from a pool of health care professionals, coalition members, community advocates, and other immunization leaders. State and Territorial Immunization Programs coordinated the nomination process and notified CDC of their recommendations.
NIIW is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and to celebrate the achievements of immunization programs in promoting healthy communities throughout the United States. Each year, during NIIW, communities across the U.S. celebrate the CDC Childhood Immunization Champions. These award recipients are being recognized for the important contributions they have made to public health through their work in childhood immunization.
For more information about Dr. Kumar and the other 2013 CDC Childhood Immunization Champions, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/champions/profiles.html.
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