Stephen Rinderknecht, DO, physician at Waukee Pediatrics, has been named Iowa's 2012 Childhood Immunization Champion by the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Each year, the CDC honors up to one recipient from each state and recognizes individuals who provide community leadership on immunization issues, have been visible immunization champions for their community and are advocates for immunization policy enhancements. Dr. Rinderknecht was nominated by Theresa Lane and Trista Eidmann, Waukee Pediatrics & Physical Therapy. Below is an excerpt from the nomination:

Dr. Stephen Rinderknecht is a steadfast immunization champion. As a pediatrician, he has achieved a 91 percent vaccination rate for the 2-year-old children in his medical practice and is the go-to expert on immunization issues. He also promotes tracking of children's immunization status through the state immunization registry. Dedicated to educating physicians and nurses to improve vaccination rates, Dr. Rinderknecht is the Chairman of the Immunization Task Force for Iowa Health - Des Moines Physicians & Clinics. He promotes the importance of vaccinations throughout our community, often visiting with local mothers' groups. As a highly respected leader on immunization issues, Dr. Rinderknecht is a frequent presenter at medical, nursing and public health conferences throughout the state. He is an advocate for immunization advancement through his active participation in vaccine research and clinical trials. Dr. Rinderknecht serves as a model immunization partner for the state, our health system, the community and his patients.