For the Tomahawk Leader
RHINELANDER – Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic – N. Shore Drive Pediatrics recently earned statewide recognition from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) for vaccination efforts of young patients.
A release from Aspirus Health said Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic – N. Shore Drive Pediatrics joined Aspirus Kronenwetter Clinic and Aspirus Pediatrics – Wausau as recipients of the 2023 Wisconsin Immunization Program’s annual “BigShot” award, which honors organizations that “had outstanding immunization rates for 2022, according to data pulled from the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.”
“The DHS BigShot award is an annual recognition that celebrates Vaccines for Children Program providers who are leading the way in protecting children’s health by ensuring their pediatric patients are up to date on their vaccinations,” Aspirus stated.
In 2022, over 90% of pediatric patients cared for at the three Aspirus Clinics were up-to-date with their routine recommended immunizations for the Hepatitis A vaccines before the age of two, according to the release.
“Protecting your child is important,” Aspirus stated. “But there’s another reason kids need their vaccines: It helps protect other members of your family and community through herd immunity.”
“One of the best ways to help protect our children is to vaccinate them from diseases that are dangerous but preventable,” said Amy Slette, MD, Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic – N. Shore Drive Pediatrics. “Vaccines help the immune system fight infections more efficiently by sparking the immune response to specific diseases.”
Aspirus said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends parents with infants and toddlers (birth to age two years) should consider immunizations for DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), Chickenpox, Hepatitis A and B, Pneumonia and Polio.
“It’s always better to prevent a disease rather than treat one after it occurs,” added Paul Fischbuch, MD, Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic – N. Shore Drive Pediatrics. “We’re honored to be recognized for our efforts to keep children safe and healthy.”
“According to DHS, people began getting vaccines decades ago on a regular basis and that greatly reduced the spread of diseases,” Aspirus stated. “However, the viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases still exist. Some of them can make you very sick and some are deadly. Vaccines are the best way to prevent serious illness or death from these diseases.”
