Kimberly Nelson, a master’s student in the health services policy and management department, has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with a CDC Childhood Immunization Champion Award. This honor recognizes individuals from across the country who demonstrate exemplary efforts to promote childhood immunizations in their communities (see South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control press release).
Nelson became interested in vaccination advocacy after the flu spread throughout the day care of her 6-week-old infant, who was not yet old enough to receive the vaccine. When a child in the crib next to Nelson’s daughter was hospitalized for a week due to flu complications, she decided to take action.