Dr. Hohman gets immunization award

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Van Wert Pediatrics announced that it has received the 2013 AFIX Immunization Coverage Improvement Award from the Ohio Department of Health.

This office is recognized for achieving a 92 percent immunization rate and its effort to get all children in the practice vaccinated on time. The Assessment, Feedback, Incentives, eXchange *(AFIX) Project for Ohio is a continuous quality improvement program that consists of assessment of immunization coverage levels and feedback of information to physicians and staff.

“Immunizations are recognized as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century,” said Dr. Jennifer Hohman. “We are proud of our doctors and nurses and other staff who work every day to protect and improve the health of our community — especially our youngest residents.”

Immunizations given according to the recommended schedule ensure protection against vaccine -preventable diseases. In Ohio, more than 71 percent of 24-month-olds receive all the recommended vaccinations on time, giving the state the seventh best rate in the country.

The Ohio Department of Health recognizes providers with the AFIX Immunization Coverage Awards for achieving immunization coverage rates of 90 percent or higher or achieving significant improvement in coverage rates within the practice.

Dr. Hohman stresses the importance of immunizations at well child check-ups.  “Immunizations are one of the most important ways that parents can protect their children from contracting serious and life threatening infections,” said Dr. Hohman.

For more information on the AFIX continuous quality improvement process and the Ohio Department of Health’s Immunization Program, visit their webpage.