Measles Immunization Program Recognized

Nemours Children’s Primary Care in Central Florida has been honored by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc (AAAHC), the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation, for implementing changes that enhance the quality of care, patient safety and overall efficiency. The winners of the prestigious Bernard A. Kershner Innovations in Quality Improvement Award, named for the late leader in ambulatory care and distinguished past Chair of the AAACH Institute Board of Trustees, were announced in a virtual ceremony September 17.

Nemours Children’s Primary Care was recognized in the 2019-20 Primary Care Category. The winning program, entitled “Increasing Measles Vaccination Rates in at-Risk Populations,” had the goal of increasing the measles vaccination rate among children aged 3-18. Within a two-month timeframe, Nemours focused on increasing vaccination rates for measles in efforts to protect the under immunized while simultaneously improving herd immunity. During that period, the Nemours team conducted outreach to those who never received a measles vaccine. At the end of the project, they successfully vaccinated 7.3% of patients who were reached, exceeding the goal of 2.5%.

“The extraordinary work on this project demonstrates the Nemours commitment to improving the health of children in Florida,” said Dr. Tom Lacy, Division Chief of Nemours Children’s Health System Primary Care and Urgent Care. ”Immunizing the child protects the child while improving herd immunity to protect the community.”