Issue Number 168            May 30, 2000

CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE

  1. CDC publishes article on progress toward polio eradication in Africa
  2. CDC publishes announcement of satellite broadcast on flu pandemic preparation
  3. Spanish-language VIS videotapes still available
  4. English and Spanish VISs available on CD-ROM

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(1)
May 26, 2000
CDC PUBLISHES ARTICLE ON PROGRESS TOWARD POLIO ERADICATION IN AFRICA

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published an article titled "Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication--African Region, 1999-March 2000" in the May 26, 2000, issue of the MMWR. This article suggests that although substantial progress has been reported in reducing poliovirus transmission in eastern and southern Africa, poliovirus remains endemic in other African countries in west and central Africa, especially those experiencing internal strife or civil war.

To obtain the text version (HTML format) of this MMWR article, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/epo/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4920a4.htm

For information on how to obtain a free electronic subscription to the MMWR, see the instructions that follow article two below.
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(2) 
May 26, 2000
CDC PUBLISHES ANNOUNCEMENT OF SATELLITE BROADCAST ON FLU PANDEMIC PREPARATION

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a Notice to Readers titled "Satellite Broadcast on Preparing for the Next Influenza Pandemic" in the May 26, 2000, issue of the MMWR. The full text of the Notice reads:

"A Public Health Training Network (PHTN) satellite broadcast titled 'Update: Preparing for the Next Influenza Pandemic,' is scheduled for July 13, 2000, from 9 to 11 a.m. and rebroadcast from 1 to 3 p.m. eastern time. This broadcast will update local, state, and national plans; describe the integration of local, state, and federal partners in pandemic influenza planning; and describe roles for antiviral drug use and triage and infection control measures. Additional information is available on the World-Wide Web at http://www.cdc.gov/phtn/pandemic/pandemicflu.htm, by telephone at (404) 639-8799, or by e-mail at ckw4@cdc.gov. This program is a production of the PHTN and CDC's National Immunization Program and National Vaccine Program Office."

To obtain the text version (HTML format) of this MMWR Notice, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/epo/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4920a5.htm

For a detailed list of upcoming immunization and hepatitis conferences and events, visit Immunization Action Coalition's "Calendar of Events" at: http://www.immunize.org/calendar

HOW TO OBTAIN A FREE ELECTRONIC SUBSCRIPTION TO THE MMWR:
To obtain a free electronic subscription to the "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report" (MMWR), visit CDC's MMWR website at: http://www2.cdc.gov/mmwr Select "Free MMWR Subscription" from the menu at the left of the screen. Once you have submitted the required information, weekly issues of the MMWR and all new ACIP statements (published as MMWR's "Recommendations and Reports") will arrive automatically by e-mail.
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(3)
May 30, 2000
SPANISH-LANGUAGE VIS VIDEOTAPES STILL AVAILABLE

The Michigan State University Extension's videotape set of Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) in Spanish is still available for purchase. The six videos in the set cover polio, Hib, varicella, DTP, hepatitis B, and MMR. The polio videotape is currently being revised to reflect the new ACIP recommendations for polio dated 5-19-00. Once it becomes available, this revised videotape will be sent to anyone who already has purchased the set.

These videotapes provide an effective and easy way to ensure that Spanish-speaking patients understand the legally required information contained in a VIS. Each video in the series is less than ten minutes in length.

The "Vaccine Information Statement Videotape Set--Spanish Edition" costs $25 for six videos, including shipping and handling. Send a check or money order payable to "Michigan State University" to the address below. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and fax number with your order.

Michigan State University Health Promotion Program
B127 West Fee Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1316

For more information, call (517) 353-2596 or fax (517) 432-0155.
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(4)
May 24, 2000
ENGLISH AND SPANISH VISs AVAILABLE ON CD-ROM

English-language and Spanish-language Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) are now available on CD-ROM. This interactive computer-based software program uses audio, visuals, and text to present the information contained in the eleven current VISs. This format could be useful for agencies and health care providers that serve low-literacy or Spanish-speaking populations. Printed versions of the VIS statements can also be obtained by using a print option available in the software program.

The software content has been updated to include the most recent VISs available, and has been reviewed by staff at the National Immunization Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This Spanish and English VIS software is available from Healthway Software on two separate CD-ROMS, which cost $22 each (including shipping). For more information or to order, call (701) 461-9294, e-mail contact@healthwaysoftware.com or visit: http://www.healthwaysoftware.com/

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Editorial Information

  • Editor-in-Chief
    Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH
  • Managing Editor
    John D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD
  • Associate Editor
    Sharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH
  • Writer/Publication Coordinator
    Taryn Chapman, MS
    Courtnay Londo, MA
  • Style and Copy Editor
    Marian Deegan, JD
  • Web Edition Managers
    Arkady Shakhnovich
    Jermaine Royes
  • Contributing Writer
    Laurel H. Wood, MPA
  • Technical Reviewer
    Kayla Ohlde

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