Past Programs & Awards

The NH Immunization Program proudly presents this year’s award to

Brigetta Johnson, CCMA from CHaD Pediatric Clinics

Brigetta Johnson is the lead medical assistant and vaccine manager of the CHaD Pediatric Clinics. Passionate about vaccine management, Brigetta is committed to the delivery of safe vaccines and is always looking to improve the safety, efficiency, and availability of immunizations. By reviewing the vaccine ordering process, Brigetta was able to save CHaD approximately $650,000.00. She is looking to repeat the process within the entire Dartmouth-Hitchcock system, which will increase access to underserved and  underinsured populations.  In addition to sitting on her organization’s influenza operations and education committees, Brigetta helped shape the annual e-learning that is required of all hospital employees who administer the influenza vaccine. She is also the lead educator for all new medical assistants that come into the clinic. In addition to her work in the public influenza clinic, Brigetta goes above and beyond every day, offering to help immunize patients in the

pediatric specialty clinics when they are seen for an appointment not related to receiving vaccinations. Brigetta is constantly working toward the goal of providing safe patient care and ensuring appropriate immunization coverage.

This award is presented in honor of Tricia McGuire, former Medical Assistant at Indian Stream Healthcare. The award recognizes an individual that has made an exceptional contribution towards improved vaccination rates and vaccine management in their organization.

Originally from Enfield, Connecticut, Tricia McGuire moved to Vermont in 2003 with her husband, Christopher. Her son Charlie was born in 2004. Tricia worked in the medical field for 14 years, primarily in pediatrics, and joined the team at Indian Stream Health Center in 2007. Tricia was a great Medical Assistant, demonstrating genuine care for the people in her community. She provided wonderful nursing care to patients of all ages and her patients genuinely enjoyed her as well. The pediatric population had a special place in Tricia’s heart and she treated every child that she came into contact with as her own. At Indian Stream Health Center, Tricia was known as the “Vaccine Queen”, managing the vaccine program, and serving as a trusted resource for all things vaccine-related. Her passion for the importance of vaccination was evident as she worked alongside her colleagues, always taking opportunities to teach others. In July of 2014, Tricia was diagnosed with cancer. She quickly began treatments, and in November, returned to work at Indian Stream Health Center putting vaccine information into the electronic medical record system.

Although she was unable to have patient contact during this time, Tricia made sure that her patients were still taken care of by completing the behind-the-scenes tasks. Through it all, Tricia never lost the charisma and joy that she exuberated on a daily basis. Her pleasant, positive energy came through in her care of Indian Stream Health Center’s patients.

Laura Anderson, MS APRN FNP-C, New England College

Laura Anderson is the director of New England College’s Health Center. Aware that NH had no vaccine requirements for post-secondary education, Laura worked to educate the college’s administration and VP of Student Affairs in the importance of preventing outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases on campus. As a result, New England College now requires the following vaccines: Men ACWY, Men B, MMR, Tdap, and Hep B. As of November 2018, New England College is the only college in NH to require Men B. Laura understands the challenges around lack of knowledge about the meningococcal vaccines, as well as the challenges of accessibility and insurance issues (such as out of state coverage), and works to educate students and health care providers about these topics. As part of her effort to educate students, she includes an immunization letter in admissions paperwork outlining required vaccinations and how/where to get them. In addition to her work around vaccine education, Laura has also worked with local pharmacies, health departments, and the NHIP. She also holds immunization clinics twice a year to bring vaccines to students.

Most Improved Player

John Beland, Winnipesaukee Public Health Network

John Beland is the Winnipesaukee Public Health Network’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager. John started in his role at the beginning of the flu season with running shoes on! He was eager and willing to try new things like learning EHR documentation.The first year as a rookie he ran with some frustration with all of the interceptions of the position but John keep his spirits high. Now, he is onto his second season and performing like an old pro! John is motivated, a team player and performs like he has been doing this for years!

Most Valuable Player

Stacey Elliott, RN, Capital Area Public Health Network

Stacey Elliott is the Public Health Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator for the Capital Area Public Health Network. Stacey’s knowledge and stability in her role is a huge asset to the PHN team. Stacey is solid and knowledgeable with sage advice! She is our steadiest and strongest team player in the field. When things went out of bounds, she kept positive and helped resolve issues in a professional manner.

Top Scorer

Upper Valley Public Health Network
Upper Valley Public Health Network is NHIP’s Top Scorer for administering the highest number of influenza vaccines in 2018 in NH the most increased in clinics. They saturated their area last year with school based flu clinics. Upper Valley covered all the bases hitting almost all of their target schools.