CDC announcement comes as part of National Infant Immunization Week

ANCHORAGE — Dr. Bruce Chandler, pediatrician with the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, has been named by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as the 2012 CDC Childhood Immunization Champion for Alaska. The award is given to honor individuals who are doing an exemplary job to promote or foster childhood immunizations in their communities.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to see Dr. Chandler receive this recognition,” said Diane Ingle, director of the Anchorage Department of Health and Human Services. “As our city’s medical officer, and a leading pediatrician, Bruce has set an example by providing training, leadership and education to new doctors, families and our community.”

For the past 10 years, Dr. Chandler has composed and distributed via email a weekly newsletter that includes the most current vaccine information and recommendations for childhood immunization, along with his personal message “Keep Vaccinating.”

“Dr. Chandler is highly respected among the more than 300 other Alaska pediatricians, health care professionals, and policy makers,” said Gerri Yett, manager of the state’s immunization program. “Bruce works closely with the CDC, state of Alaska, and our tribal health partners to provide immunization for both children and adults throughout the state. It’s very appropriate that he should receive the first childhood immunization champion award.”

April 21–28 is National Infant Immunization Week. A time set aside to recognize the importance of childhood immunizations and encourage all parents to ensure that their children are up-to-date on their vaccines.

For more information on National Infant Immunization Week go to:https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/index.html
For an easy-to-read chart of the recommended childhood vaccines go to:
https://www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/id/iz/schedules/schedule.pdf