Melissa Bonomo, pharmacy manager at an Albertsons in Boulder, has been named Colorado’s 2025 National Immunization Champion. The announcement was made by the Immunization Branch of 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 immunizations.
Bonomo’s pharmacy administered over 10,000 vaccines last year and led a district of more than 30 locations in flu vaccine administration during the 2024-2025 season with over 5,000 doses given. Since 2021, she has trained 10 pharmacy technicians on injection techniques to become immunization certified, which increased her team’s ability to provide vaccines.
Her work also includes hosting 15 off-site vaccine clinics in Boulder and nearby areas within three months. She volunteered on a weekend to hold a clinic at a local homeless shelter to serve people without regular access to healthcare. Bonomo also offers travel health consultations and yellow-fever vaccinations.
“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 immunization compliance among early childhood students; Garrett Johnson from City Market Pharmacy in Gunnison for running vaccine clinics despite infrastructure challenges; Suegie Park from Family Medicine Clinic for Health Equity for organizing off-site clinics and outreach to immigrant communities; and Rosa Parga from Denver Health Eastside Pediatric Clinic for phone outreach that improved timely vaccinations.
