Beckley pediatrician honored as Childhood Immunization Champ

May 21, 2017

Dr. John Fernald of Rainbow Pediatrics believes in childhood vaccinations against once-deadly diseases like polio and other common illnesses like chicken pox, measles and mumps. Fernald administers 200 vaccines in a typical week at his pediatric practice in Beckley.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the CDC Foundation named Fernald the 2017 Childhood Immunization Champ for West Virginia.

Fernald has over 12 years of experience as a pediatrician caring for children in the U.S. and abroad. In addition to improving the health of many children in Virginia and West Virginia, Fernald has also provided pediatric care as an Army service member in Germany and South Korea, a squadron surgeon during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and a staff pediatrician for Operation Lifeline in Pakistan, according to information on the CDC website.

The organizations honor a medical professional in each state who has made a significant contribution toward improving public health through their work in childhood immunization.

The West Virginia Division of Immunization Services nominated Fernald for the award, he told The Register-Herald.

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Recommended Immunization Schedules

These schedules list the age or age range when each vaccine or series of shots is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If your child (birth through 6 years old) or adolescent (age 7 through 18 years old) has missed any shots, talk to your child’s doctor about getting back on track.

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Vaccine Schedule Based On Your Child’s Birthday
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The Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), is an immunization registry managed by MDHHS and reported to by immunization providers. MCIR allows healthcare providers or individuals to access their immunization records regardless of their location in Michigan. This system also helps to track local and state immunization rates of Michigan residents to ensure immunity to vaccine-preventable illnesses. MCIR is a lifespan registry that includes infant through adult records.

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Voices for Vaccines
Voices for Vaccines is a parent-led organization that supports and advocates for on-time vaccination and the reduction of vaccine-preventable disease.

Seattle Mama Doc: A Blog by Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson
Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson is a practicing pediatrician and the mother of two young boys. She practices at The Everett Clinic in Mill Creek, Washington, is on the medical staff at Seattle Children’s and is a clinical instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington.

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Beckley pediatrician honored as Childhood Immunization Champ

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