CONCORD, NH — Each year, the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) and the CDC Foundation honor individuals who go above and beyond to promote childhood immunizations in their communities. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health Services’ (DPHS) Immunization Program is proud to announce that New Hampshire’s 2016 Childhood Immunization Champion is Cindy Foley, the Primary Vaccine Manager at Spaulding Youth Center.
Before becoming a mentor at the Spaulding Youth Center, Foley wore many different hats: babysitter, basketball coach, and swim instructor, to name just a few. Over the course of her career, Foley has been particularly drawn to children with special needs and helping them reach their full potential in every possible way.
As the Primary Vaccine Manager at Spaulding Youth Center, Foley is responsible for seeing that the children at the Center are vaccinated. By adapting her communication style to fit the unique needs of her audience, she has been able to create a warm, calming, and supportive environment for these children.
Foley works with both parents and children, and before she administers a vaccine she performs practice sessions with the child. This helps her understand the child’s fears and helps children get used to the actions associated with administering a vaccine that can cause anxiety. Staying attuned to the child’s facial expressions and body language allows Foley to recognize where there’s room for improvement. Her exceptional approach and dedication to vaccinating children with special needs make her New Hampshire’s 2016 Childhood Immunization Champion.
“Ms. Foley’s caring approach and treating each child as an individual has allowed her to vaccinate hundreds of children, protecting them against many vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Marcella Bobinsky, Acting Director of Public Health at DHHS. “We at the Immunization Program are very grateful for all of her work with children with special needs because every child deserves the protection of vaccinations.”
