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Immunization Champion Award

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's (SMFM) Immunization Champion Award honors members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in increasing maternal immunization rates for COVID-19, flu, RSV, and Tdap. SMFM recognizes the complex challenges members navigate when recommending vaccines, particularly in light of the declining uptake seen in recent years. In 2026, SMFM is proud to recognize members with the Immunization Champion Award to celebrate their unwavering commitment to expanding vaccine access and improving health outcomes within their practices and local communities. 

Vaccines are an essential part of prenatal care, offering critical protection to the mother-baby dyad against potentially deadly diseases. SMFM and the Maternal Immunization Task Force, in alignment with other leading medical and nursing associations, recommend that all pregnant patients receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the annual influenza vaccine, a Tdap dose with each pregnancy, and, if eligible, the RSV vaccine from 32 through 36 weeks gestation during the RSV season. Despite the many benefits of vaccines, immunization rates for all recommended maternal vaccines remain low. Now more than ever, it is vital to acknowledge members who affirm the importance of recommending and advocating for all recommended vaccines at the appropriate time during pregnancy. 

SMFM will select members to receive the 2026 Immunization Champion Award in recognition of their leadership, innovation, collaboration, and perseverance in promoting and increasing maternal immunization. 

Each award recipient will: 

  • Receive an award certificate, 
  • Be featured on various SMFM channels, such as social media and e-newsletters,  
  • Participate in at least one SMFM-hosted event to highlight their vaccine practice(s), and  
  • Be added to SMFM's Immunization Champions Honor Roll. 

 

Nominations will be accepted until Friday, May 1, 2026. The winners will be notified in June 2026. 

Submit Your Nomination

Award Criteria

The 2026 Immunization Champion Award will recognize members who are doing an exemplary job of educating patients and other healthcare professionals in increasing access to maternal immunizations in their practice and communities. Nominees should exhibit leadership, innovation, collaboration, and perseverance in promoting maternal immunizations. Nominees will be rated based on demonstrated achievements, innovation, and/or initiative in increasing maternal vaccination rates. 

  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine Subspecialists or Fellows
  • Located in the United States
  • Members can nominate themselves or other members.
  • Contact information of the nominee and nominator must be included to be considered.