Indy Standard

Dr. Megan Carlson, director of health services at Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), has been named a 2025 Immunization Champion Award winner by the Association of Immunization Managers, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Immunization Champion Award is given each year to individuals across the United States who make significant efforts to promote vaccinations in their communities. This year, 46 recipients were selected nationwide for their work to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Dr. Carlson led districtwide strategies to improve student vaccination rates at IPS. Her initiatives include launching school-based immunization clinics aimed at reducing barriers for families and organizing targeted outreach campaigns such as measles vaccination drives before spring break. She also implemented data-driven monitoring systems to find and address gaps in student immunization records.

Dave McCormick, director of the immunization division at the Indiana Department of Health, nominated Dr. Carlson for this recognition.

Earlier this year, IPS received another honor—the School Immunization Champion Award from the Indiana Immunization Coalition, sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline—in May. This award recognizes schools that show a strong commitment to student health and wellness.

“This recognition reflects the hard work of our nurses, vaccine coordinators, and school leaders who partner with families to keep our students healthy,” said Dr. Carlson. “It’s about removing barriers and making vaccinations as accessible as possible.”

More information about IPS’s health programs can be found on their website: https://myips.org/central-services/unified-student-supports/health-services/