The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Basel Khatib, MD, of Dearborn, Receives National Immunization Champion Award
May 13, 2014
LANSING, Mich. – Basel Khatib, MD, from Dearborn, Mich., has been named this year’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Childhood Immunization Champion for Michigan for his outstanding efforts to promote childhood immunization. Khatib has made promoting immunizations a pivotal mission in his career.
“I’ve always considered giving immunizations to children a major mission of my career. I really believe that it should be a pivotal part of the work of any pediatrician,” said Dr. Khatib. “It can be hard at times, but it is absolutely rewarding. Success in this arena can only be achieved through team work. I give all credit to every member of my team. They work relentlessly every day to make sure that our patients get their vaccines on time.”
Each year, during National Infant Immunization Week (April 26-May 3) the CDC Foundation and CDC select health professionals and community leaders around the country to honor with the CDC Childhood Immunization Champion awards. These awards acknowledge individuals who go above and beyond to promote immunization to children in their communities.
“CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases is committed to protecting infants and young children from vaccine-preventable diseases. We work with and rely on many dedicated individuals at the state and local levels to ensure that children are fully protected from 14 serious and sometimes deadly diseases before their second birthday by vaccinating them,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, Assistant Surgeon General for the United States Public Health Service and Director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “The Childhood Immunization Champion award is a way for CDC to recognize and honor immunization leaders for their tremendous efforts surrounding childhood immunizations and what better time to show appreciation for their outstanding commitment to children’s health than National Infant Immunization Week.”
“I have to thank all the wonderful families of our patients, and all of the great team members of the Wayne County Health Department,” said Dr. Khatib. “We take this opportunity to make a pledge not to be complacent, but to work harder every day, because after all, nothing is more rewarding than seeing a smile on the face of a healthy child.”
CDC Childhood Immunization Champions were selected from a pool of healthcare professionals, coalition members, community advocates, and other immunization leaders. One winner was selected in each of the 30 participating states and one from the District of Columbia. For more information about Dr. Khatib and other CDC Childhood Immunization Champion award winners, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/champions/index.html.
# # #