WATERBURY –The Vermont Department of Health has recognized the Hardwick Health Center among the 72 primary care practices across the state for achieving high vaccination rates and helping to protect children, teens and adults against vaccine-preventable diseases that can be serious or even deadly.
The health center is recognized in the Silver Level Adult category that includes the top 10% coverage for Tdap (dose within 10 years), Hep B (UTD ages 19-59), HPV (UTD ages 19-26) Pneumococcal (UTD ages 65+) and Zoster (UTD ages 50+).
“Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to protect yourself and those around you from serious disease,” said Merideth Plumpton, Vermont Immunization Program manager. “Now more than ever, we want to recognize the importance of this work in our communities and the professionals who are leading the way to keep Vermonters healthy.”
Practices are honored at the Gold or Silver level based on their immunization coverage rates, according to data from the Vermont Immunization Registry. The full list of this year’s awardees can be found on the Department of Health’s website.
According to the health department, vaccines help prevent severe illness and help stop the spread of diseases like measles, pertussis (whooping cough), and cancers caused by HPV. The Vermont Immunization Program helps protect the health of all Vermonters by ensuring vaccines are accessible and safely administered. The program provides free or low-cost vaccines for children and adults (aged 19 through 64) to participating providers across the state. The program also supports health care providers with training, resources, and technical assistance to ensure proper vaccine storage, administration and reporting. To learn more about recommended vaccines for children, teens and adults go to healthvermont.gov/vaccineinfo.
