Immunization Action Coalition's Director Receives Award from the American Pharmacists Association

SAINT PAUL, Minn., March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Deborah Wexler, MD, founder and executive director of the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC), was selected as recipient of the 2012 American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Immunization Champion Award – Friend of Pharmacy. Dr. Wexler will be recognized during a special awards ceremony at the APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition in New Orleans on March 11, 2012. 

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120307/CG66289)

APhA's Friend of Pharmacy Award, part of its Immunization Champion Awards program, honors a non-pharmacist who has supported, facilitated, or advocated for pharmacists' role in immunizations. APhA, founded in 1852, represents more than 62,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and others interested in advancing the profession.

"Dr. Wexler has been a long-time advocate and collaborator with the pharmacy profession and association, recognizing the important public health role pharmacists can and do play in addressing our nation's immunization delivery system puzzle," said Mitch Rothholz, chief strategy officer of the APhA. "She has recognized and educated others regarding the profession's accessibility, knowledge and skills. Pharmacies are located where people live, and their extended hours and reach complement the efforts of other immunization stakeholders. Dr. Wexler is a strong supporter of inclusive coalitions that utilize the contributions of all participants, including pharmacists."

In addition, the Friend of Pharmacy Award is being given to Dr. Wexler in recognition of her work as the executive director of IAC. In its press release about the 2012 awards, APhA noted the invaluable support and information the IAC website (www.immunize.org) provides to practicing immunizers from various practice settings across the United States. Dr. Wexler developed IAC's web presence in 1994, and the website has grown to serve approximately 12,000 visitors daily. In addition, APhA uses IAC's materials in its Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery certificate training program and immunizing pharmacist listserv. APhA applauds Dr. Wexler as a frequent collaborator with the organization on immunization projects and "a vocal advocate for the expansion of pharmacists' immunization role across the lifespan and the value of collaboration involving all stakeholders."

"I am consistently impressed by the dedication of pharmacists – medical professionals who are found on corners in every community in America –reaching out and helping to prevent disease by offering immunizations," Wexler said. "I am delighted to be recognized as a friend of pharmacists in their important immunization work."

Dr. Wexler is available for interviews about this award.

Access the complete biography for Deborah Wexler, MD.

About the Immunization Action Coalition
IAC's immunization educational tools have a strong impact on the education, attitudes, and practices of healthcare professionals throughout the nation, making IAC one of the most respected and relied-upon immunization organizations in the United States. IAC is also a direct source of immunization information for the public. IAC's two major websites receive more than 20,000 visits per day, and its email news service broadcasts weekly immunization updates to more than 45,000 opt-in subscribers. 

SOURCE Immunization Action Coalition