Taylor named R.I. CDC Child Immunization Champion

CRANSTON – Arthur Taylor, a registered nurse and director of nursing for the Comprehensive Community Action Program, has been awarded the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Childhood Immunization Champion Award for the state of Rhode Island in honor of his work to ensure children are properly immunized.

Taylor has sought to provide nursing care to children for the last three years. After meeting an 8-year-old child in 2015 who had only received one of his recommended vaccines, Taylor was inspired to promote childhood immunization, dedicating himself to making sure children get caught up on their vaccines and that all children stay on schedule.

“The success of our nation’s infant and childhood immunization programs is a direct result of the efforts of childhood immunization champions like CCAP’s Arthur Taylor,” said Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director for the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “It is my honor to join Rhode Island’s immunization program in recognizing Arthur’s passion and commitment to this important cause.”

As nurse director at Comprehensive Community Action Health Centers, Taylor encourages all nurses to stay current on upcoming office visits to be sure they are aware of the vaccines they will deliver each day. Taylor rallied every member of his organization to commit to sharing the importance of childhood vaccines and to persist in efforts to get children into the office for their recommended immunizations.

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He also developed strategies for his organization’s health centers to connect with parents and to help parents choose vaccines, according to CCAP.

The Champion Award is intended to recognize individuals who are working at the local level. It honors those who work to promote or foster childhood immunizations in their communities.

Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com.