Melissa Bonomo, a pharmacy manager at Albertsons in Boulder, has been named Colorado’s recipient of the 2025 National Immunization Champion Award. The honor is given by the Association of Immunization Managers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to recognize individuals who show leadership, collaboration, innovation, and advocacy to promote immunizations in their communities.
Bonomo’s pharmacy administered over 10,000 vaccines last year. Her location leads its district of more than 30 stores in flu vaccine administration, providing more than 5,000 flu shots during the 2024-2025 season. Since 2021, she has trained ten pharmacy technicians on injection techniques and helped them become certified to give immunizations.
Her work goes beyond her store. In three months, Bonomo’s team held 15 off-site vaccine clinics in Boulder and nearby areas to reach vulnerable populations. She also volunteered on a weekend at a local homeless shelter to provide immunizations. Additionally, she 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 for the award included Beth Musolf Reilly from Eagle County School District; Garrett Johnson from City Market Pharmacy in Gunnison; Suegie Park from Family Medicine Clinic for Health Equity; and Rosa Parga from Denver Health Eastside Pediatric Clinic.
