September 26, 2023- The Republic of Palau Ministry of Health & Human Services (MHHS) would like to congratulate Nurse Lorraine Beketaut on being selected as this year’s Palau Immunization Champion!
Chosen from an impressive pool of candidates, Nurse Beketaut was given the honor due to the hard work and dedication she showed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Palau experienced a decrease in routine childhood vaccinations due to the closure of clinics during the pandemic. As the Public Health Nurse Manager, Nurse Beketaut worked closely with the Palau Immunization Program to identify children and areas with low immunization coverage. She would often work after hours to audit medical charts and update the immunization information system (IIS). She also assisted immunization teams with recalling children for missed vaccinations and participated in home visitations. Because of her support, Palau’s vaccination rates improve with most vaccines at 90% coverage.
The Immunization Champion Award is jointly presented by the Association of Immunization (AIM) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It recognizes individuals from each of the 64 federally funded state, local, or territorial immunization programs who have made significant contributions towards improving public health in their communities, especially in adult and/or childhood immunization. AIM is a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing a nation free of vaccine-preventable disease.
Congratulations Nurse Lorraine for an honor well-deserved!
For more information about the Immunization Champions, please visit: https://www.immunizationmanagers.org/about-aim/ awards/champion-awards/champion-awards/