Maura Lockwood, an infectious disease field epidemiologist embedded at the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) through MCD Global Health, has been named Maine's 2026 Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) Immunization Champion.

Presented annually by the AIM, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to promoting and improving vaccination access for children and adults in their communities.

For Maura, the honor reflects a collective effort to strengthen public health across rural Maine. "This award is a win for rural public health in Maine," she said.

Since joining Maine CDC in 2018, she has worked alongside community partners across Aroostook, Hancock, and Washington counties. Since transitioning to her current role in 2022, she has focused on identifying and supporting vaccine-hesitant communities through collaboration, education, and outreach.

Her work has centered on building trusted relationships with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and public health partners to improve access to immunizations and connect Maine residents with reliable health information. She also helped expand adult vaccine access by working with healthcare providers to enroll in the Maine CDC Immunization Program.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maura played a key role in vaccination communication, advocacy, and outreach efforts, helping previously unvaccinated individuals access recommended immunizations.

According to the Maine CDC, her dedication, partnership-building, and commitment to improving vaccine access were the main factors in her selection for the award.

A native of Rye, New Hampshire, Lockwood now lives in Caribou, Maine. Before joining MCD and Maine CDC, she served as a regional youth programs coordinator and disaster response volunteer with the American Red Cross.

Maura credits much of her success to the strong partnerships she has developed throughout her career. "I have been lucky to have worked with many of the same partners for eight years," she said.