Melissa Bonomo, pharmacy manager at an Albertsons in Boulder, has been named Colorado’s recipient of the 2025 National Immunization Champion Award. The announcement was made by the Immunization Branch at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The award is presented by the Association of Immunization Managers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to individuals who show leadership, collaboration, innovation, and advocacy in advancing immunization within their communities.
Bonomo’s pharmacy administered more than 10,000 vaccines last year. It led a district of over 30 locations in flu vaccine administration during the 2024-2025 season, providing more than 5,000 flu vaccines. Since 2021, Bonomo has trained 10 pharmacy technicians on injection techniques and helped them become immunization certified. This has increased her pharmacy’s capacity to provide immunizations.
Her efforts also extend outside her workplace. In three months, her team held 15 off-site vaccine clinics in Boulder and nearby areas to reach vulnerable populations. She volunteered during a weekend to organize a clinic at a local homeless shelter to serve an underserved group. Additionally, she offers travel health consultations and yellow-fever vaccinations as part of broader disease prevention measures.
“Melissa’s unwavering commitment to increasing vaccine access and education in her community is truly inspiring,” said Heather Roth, Immunization Branch Chief at CDPHE. “Her innovative approaches and tireless work, including holding weekend clinics for underserved populations and ensuring her staff are well-trained, have made a significant impact on public health in Colorado. She is such a deserving recipient of this award.”
Other nominees recognized for their contributions include Beth Musolf Reilly from Eagle County School District for achieving full student immunization compliance in early childhood programs; Garrett Johnson from City Market Pharmacy in Gunnison for running essential clinics despite infrastructure challenges; Suegie Park from Family Medicine Clinic for Health Equity for organizing off-site clinics and focus groups with immigrants; and Rosa Parga from Denver Health Eastside Pediatric Clinic for outreach that improved on-time immunizations by 10%.
