Munson Healthcare honors its efforts to promote childhood vaccinations
Munson Healthcare today recognized The Children’s House Montessori school for its efforts to promote community health through its revised vaccination policy.
The award was presented by the Munson Healthcare Community Health Committee to honor the school’s efforts in light of a whooping cough epidemic and measles outbreak in the region in late 2014 and earlier this year.
“School officials were willing to reconsider their exemption policy when they reviewed the scientific information available on the benefits of vaccinations,” said Dan Johnson, chair of the Munson Healthcare Community Health Committee. “We applaud their willingness to become a leader on this issue in the region.”
The school provides care and education for children from infants through eighth grade. Changing its policy has resulted in many more students receiving vaccinations and has set an example for other schools.
“In January, the school set a goal of 95 percent vaccination compliance for students. All new students and staff need to have up-to-date immunizations,” said Ed Ness, president and CEO of Munson Healthcare. “This kind of commitment is what makes our community healthier.”
The Children’s House representatives were presented with their Community Health Hero award on Wednesday, April 15.
More information on the Community Health Hero Award, as well as past winners, is available at munsonhealthcare.org/communityhealth-heroes.