Your medical society works independently and with coalitions to advance patient care, and was recently honored with the 2013 Immunization Award by the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition in recognition of outstanding efforts in the area of immunizations.

Rashmi Chugh, MD, ISMS Delegate from DuPage County and author of multiple resolutions on immunization-related issues, accepted the award on behalf of the Society.

Here are highlights of ISMS' actions that helped earn this honor:

• Joined the Protecting Our Infants against Pertussis Coalition and partnered with the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) in disseminating education on the pertussis vaccine.

• Sent a letter to Governor Quinn in support of providing information to parents of children in daycare about the benefits of immunization against pertussis.

• Promoted influenza immunization both for patients and health care professionals and provides a web-based tool kit for physicians to implement a patient-safety program in their office by offering influenza vaccinations to staff.

• Partnered with ICAAP to promote several immunization education programs in Illinois, including the upcoming fall CDC Conference Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases.

• Produced communications regarding the importance of pertussis vaccination, including the new school requirements, and developed a Pertussis webpage.

ISMS appreciates this recognition!