Nurse manager teaches the importance of immunization

When she was a student at what was then Columbus College, Colethia Moore knew she wanted to be a nurse or a teacher.

She chose nursing, but teaching is a big part of her job as child health nurse manager at the Columbus Health Department.

"I keep people informed about the importance of immunizations," she said.

Moore, 48, teaches not only at the office at 2100 Comer Ave., but also at churches, schools and health fairs.

"Everywhere I go, every chance I get," she said.

Moore does this so well, she was recently honored for her efforts as one of four recipients of the Walt Orenstein Champions for Immunization Award at the 22nd annual Immunize Georgia Conference hosted by the Georgia Department of Public Health.

The event attracted more than 400 private and public health professionals to Atlanta to learn the latest recommendations and best practices in immunization services.

The award honors individuals, public/private agencies or coalitions that demonstrate excellence in providing immunization care, which exemplifies the immunization guidelines set forth in the Standards for Child, Adolescent and Adult Immunization Practices.

Other honorees included nurse Jamie Henley of the Pickens County Health Department, Dr. Robert Jones of SouthCoast Health Pediatrics in Savannah and Absolute CARE Medical Center and Pharmacy in Atlanta.

"It was a complete surprise," said Moore. "I thought I was going there for just another learning experience to find out more about immunization."

Asked what getting the award means to her, she said it shows that her time at work has been worthwhile.

"It means I made a difference," Moore said.

She has also made a difference as someone serving in the community. For example, she has been a leader with the Girl Scouts for 13 years.

"Mrs. Moore has been a dedicated public health nurse since 1990," said Sheila Mayfield, clin

ical nursing director. "She is a dedicated advocate for immunizations and has come up with many innovative ways of reaching the public and educating on the significance of immunizations and the role they play, not only in individual health and safety but also their significance for the protection of the community at large."

Moore said through the years she has seen the number of vaccines available for people grow.

"That is good because it means we can keep people protected," she said.

Moore said the No. 1 question she is asked by people is whether it is safe to take several vaccines at once.

She tells them there is no need for worry.

Moore said she likes to attend conferences such as the one at which she was honored.

"I need to stay on top of what's new," she said.

Earlier this year when discussing back-to-school immunizations, Moore called vaccines safe.

Talking about side effects, she said there are usually none except possibly for some redness, swelling and soreness in the site of the injection but that is minimal when compared to the worst case scenario.

"That's better than coming down with a disease. That is the greater risk," Moore said.

This story was originally published September 28, 2015 at 10:33 PM with the headline "Nurse manager teaches the importance of immunization ."