Issue
Number 418
October 20, 2003
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
- New: CDC posts comprehensive "Immunize Now" provider kit; CMS
website has news about increased vaccine payments
- FDA and CDC statement counters rumors concerning influenza
vaccination contamination
- New: October issue of "NEEDLE TIPS" is in the mail and on the
Web
- Influenza vaccination of adults 50 and over and pneumococcal
vaccination of adults 65 and over nowhere near 2010 goals
- National Medical Association promotes flu shots for African
Americans
- New translation: Spanish-language live intranasal influenza
vaccine VIS now on IAC website
- National Quality Forum endorses new national voluntary
consensus standards for Nursing Home Performance Measures
- CDC notifies readers about its Viral Hepatitis Resource Center
- CDC notifies readers about the International Conference on
Women and Infectious Diseases
- Thank you, readers, for faxing headlines from last week's Dear
Abby column promoting influenza vaccination
- Report on the first phase of the Immunization Coalition
Sustainability Project is complete and available online
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October 20, 2003
NEW: CDC POSTS COMPREHENSIVE "IMMUNIZE NOW" PROVIDER KIT; CMS WEBSITE HAS
NEWS ABOUT INCREASED VACCINE PAYMENTS
In conjunction with Adult Immunization Awareness Week (October 12-18), the
National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), announced its new "Immunize Now" provider kit is available online. In
addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently
increased the Medicare Part B Maximum allowable reimbursement for influenza
and pneumococcal vaccine (details at the end of this article).
"IMMUNIZE NOW" PROVIDER KIT
The kit is designed to help health care providers and professionals promote
immunization against influenza and pneumococcal disease and effectively
reach people for whom these vaccinations are recommended.
Available for printing in color and/or black and white, the materials in the
kit include the following for providers and patients.
For providers (available in English only):
- Influenza and pneumococcal immunization
letter from Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, Director, CDC
- Three information sheets: (1) What's New
for Fall 2003? (2) Time-Saving Help and Feedback Form (3) Free CDC
Immunization Resources and Order Form
- Summary of Recommendations for Inactivated
Influenza Vaccine and Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine
- Influenza Vaccination Pocket Guide
- Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule by
Age Group and Medical Conditions--United States, 2003-2004
For patients (all available in English and
Spanish):
- Four 8-1/2" x 11" flyers: (1) Flu
Vaccine Facts & Myths (2) To Protect Yourself and Those You Love (3)
When Should You Get Your Flu Vaccination? (4) Who Is at High Risk for
Flu Complications? (black and white only).
- Two posters: (1) Community Immunity:
Dominos (2) Top Three Reasons to Get Your Flu Vaccine (also available as
a flyer in black and white only).
In addition, a kit diagram and packaging
files are available to help prepare kits for distribution.
To access the "Immunize Now" provider kit, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/flu/providerkit.htm
MEDICARE INCREASES REIMBURSEMENT FOR INFLUENZA AND PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINES
Effective September 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
increased the Medicare Part B maximum allowable reimbursement for
inactivated influenza vaccine to $9.95 per dose (previously $8.02).
Effective October 1, CMS increased the Medicare Part B maximum allowable
reimbursement for pneumococcal vaccine to $18.62 per dose (previously
$13.10).
To access more information about these and other issues related to
immunization, visit the Medicare Learning Network's "Immunization Quick
Reference Guide" at
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medlearn/refimmu.asp
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October 20, 2003
FDA AND CDC STATEMENT COUNTERS RUMORS CONCERNING INFLUENZA VACCINATION
CONTAMINATION
On October 17, the National Immunization Program requested that the
Immunization Action Coalition and other providers of email news services
publish the following press release, which was issued by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
***************************
FDA AND CDC STATEMENT CONCERNING RUMORS ABOUT RECALLED LOT OF INFLUENZA
VACCINE
Rumors have been circulating that a "contaminated" lot of flu vaccine has
been recalled by the FDA. This is false. No contamination of any flu vaccine
has been identified anywhere in the U.S., and the FDA has not recalled any
lot of flu vaccine. Flu vaccine is routinely tested for safety, purity, and
potency and all lots released have met these standards. As with any vaccine,
flu vaccine is capable of causing some side effects, these are very rarely
severe. Most side effects from flu vaccine are mild, such as arm soreness,
redness or swelling where the shot was given, fever, or achiness. More
serious reactions to the flu vaccine do occur, but they are rare. While FDA
and CDC are currently investigating several recent reports of possible
significant allergic reactions to flu vaccine, it is important to note that
the number and type of reactions reported to date are not unexpected. The
reactions reported, not all of which may have been caused by the
administration of vaccine, do not, at this time, suggest any problem with
the flu vaccine. However, FDA and CDC will continue to investigate these and
any other reports and will provide any further information as available.
While serious reactions to flu vaccine are rare, each year about 114,000
people in the U.S. are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die because of
the flu. The flu vaccine is the best way a person can protect themselves and
their loved ones against influenza. October and November are the best months
to get vaccinated--however, vaccination in December or later still provides
considerable protection. For more information about influenza, go to
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/flu
***************************
To access the press release, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r031017a.htm
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October 20, 2003
NEW: OCTOBER ISSUE OF "NEEDLE TIPS" IS IN THE MAIL AND ON THE WEB
The hard copy of the new "NEEDLE TIPS and the Hepatitis B Coalition
News" should be arriving soon in the mail boxes of 150,000 health
professionals. If you haven't received yours, you can access the entire
issue or selected articles from the website of the Immunization Action
Coalition (IAC). Immunization and hepatitis experts at the federal
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reviewed each
article and education piece in the issue for accuracy (with the
exception of editorials).
Just in time for this year's influenza vaccination season, the new issue
has abundant information about influenza vaccination, including
information on how to access printable versions of the most recent
Vaccine Information Statements for the inactivated influenza vaccine and
the new live, intranasal influenza vaccine. In addition, the issue
allocates several pages to explaining the complex topic of hepatitis B
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment among health care professionals and
the general public. Lastly, we devote two pages each to summarizing the
recommendations for childhood and adult immunization. This is
information you won't find anywhere else; we hope you'll peruse the
table of contents (given below) and read articles that interest you
online.
HOW TO READ "NEEDLE TIPS" ON THE WEB
You can download the entire issue from the Web or view selected articles
from the table of contents below.
To view the table of contents with links to individual articles, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/nt
Please note: The PDF file of the entire October 2003 issue,
linked below, is large at 891,883 bytes. Some printers cannot
print such a large file. For tips on downloading and printing
PDF files, go to: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/tips.htm
To download the entire PDF version of the October 2003 issue, go
to: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n28/n28.pdf
SUMMARIES OF INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES AND FEATURES
Summaries of "NEEDLE TIPS" articles and features are below,
followed by URLs.
-
"Ask the Experts"
CDC immunization expert William Atkinson, MD, MPH, and viral
hepatitis experts Linda Moyer, RN, and Eric Mast, MD, answer
readers' questions.
HTML: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n28/exprt28.htm
PDF: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n28/exprt28.pdf
-
"What Others Say About IAC"
Here's a sampling of comments culled from letters of support
for our work written by health professionals from many
segments of the immunization community.
HTML: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n28/lett28.htm
PDF: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n28/lett28.pdf
-
"Vaccine Highlights"
A digest of recent recommendations and news about vaccines,
vaccine resources, and Vaccine Information Statements.
HTML: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n28/vaccin28.htm
PDF: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n28/vaccin28.pdf
-
"Give These People Influenza Vaccine!"
This one-page professional education sheet has the latest
information on the populations for whom influenza vaccine is
recommended or encouraged.
HTML: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/2013flu.htm
PDF: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/2013flu.pdf
-
"Summary of Rules for Childhood Immunization"
Adapted from recommendations made by the Advisory Committee
on Immunization Practices, American Academy of Pediatrics,
and American Association of Family Physicians, this two-page reference sheet summarizes information about thirteen
vaccines, including the ages at which children should receive
them, the catch-up schedule for each, and contraindications
for each.
HTML: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n17/rules1.htm
PDF: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/rules1.pdf
-
"Summary of Recommendations for Adult Immunization"
Adapted from recommendations made by the Advisory Committee
on Immunization Practices, this two-page sheet outlines
information about nine vaccines commonly given to adults,
including details about the populations for whom each is
recommended, the routine and catch-up schedule for each,
and contraindications for each.
HTML: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2011b.htm
PDF: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2011b.pdf
-
"Hepatitis B and the Health Care Worker"
Updated in September, this two-page reference sheet explains
which health care workers require hepatitis B vaccine,
serologic testing, and postexposure prophylaxis.
HTML: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/2109hcw.htm
PDF: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/2109hcw.pdf
-
"Questions Frequently Asked About Hepatitis B" by Deborah L.
Wexler, MD, IAC Executive Director
Updated in September, this four-page reference document
discusses hepatitis B routes of infection, symptoms,
testing, treatment, and prevention.
HTML: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4090.htm
PDF: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4090.pdf
-
"How's Your State Doing?"
Updated in August, this chart shows childhood immunization
rates by state for the 4:3:1:3:3:1 series and for hepatitis B
and varicella vaccines. It also shows the state school-entry
requirements and implementation dates for childhood
hepatitis B and varicella vaccination.
PDF: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n28/state28.pdf
-
"Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): Inactivated Influenza
Vaccine" and "Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): Live,
Intranasal Influenza Vaccine"
CDC's most recent VISs for these two vaccines.
Inactivated influenza vaccine VIS
PDF: http://www.immunize.org/vis/2flu.pdf
Live intranasal influenza vaccine VIS
PDF: http://www.immunize.org/vis/liveflu03.pdf
-
"IAC's Publications and Resources Order Form"
Order materials for patients and clinic staff here.
HTML: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n17/catalg1.htm
PDF: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n28/catalog.pdf
-
"Letter from the Executive Director: Stay in Touch to Keep
Receiving NEEDLE TIPS!"
IAC's Executive Director, Deborah L. Wexler, MD,
encourages her colleagues to support IAC by becoming
contributors.
HTML: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n28/back28.htm
PDF: http://www.immunize.org/nslt.d/n28/back28.pdf
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October 20, 2003
INFLUENZA VACCINATION OF ADULTS 50 AND OVER AND PNEUMOCOCCAL
VACCINATION OF ADULTS 65 AND OVER NOWHERE NEAR 2010 GOALS
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published
"Public Health and Aging: Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among
Adults Aged 50 Years and Over and Pneumococcal Vaccination
Coverage Among Adults Aged 65 Years and Over--United States,
2002"
in the October 17 issue of "Morbidity and Mortality
Weekly Report" (MMWR). The article's opening paragraph and
portions of the Editorial Note are reprinted below.
***********************
[Article's opening paragraph]
Vaccination of persons at risk for complications from influenza
and pneumococcal disease is a key public health strategy in
preventing morbidity and mortality in the United States. During
the 1990-1999 influenza seasons, approximately 36,000 deaths
were attributed annually to influenza infection, with
approximately 90% of deaths occurring among adults aged 65 years
and older. In 1998, an estimated 3,400 adults aged 65 years and
older died as a result of invasive pneumococcal disease. One of
the national health objectives for 2010 is to achieve
90% coverage of noninstitutionalized adults aged 65 years and
older for both influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations
(objective no. 14.29). In 2000, the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices (ACIP) broadened the universal
recommendations for influenza vaccination to include adults aged
50-64 years in addition to adults aged 65 years and older. To
assess progress toward achieving the 2010 national health
objective and implementing the ACIP recommendations, CDC
analyzed data from the 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance
System (BRFSS). This report summarizes the results of that
analysis, which indicate that influenza and pneumococcal
vaccination levels among adults aged 65 years and older and
influenza vaccination levels among adults aged 50-64 years
varied widely among states/areas and racial/ethnic populations.
Innovative approaches are needed to increase vaccination
coverage, particularly among certain populations.
[Portions of the Editorial Note]
The findings in this report indicate wide variability in
influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage across
states/areas and marked differences in vaccination coverage by
race/ethnicity. Influenza vaccination coverage levels among
adults aged 50-64 years were less than 50% in all reporting
areas, substantially lower than levels among adults aged
65 years and older. In addition, both influenza and pneumococcal
vaccination levels among adults aged 65 years and older were
substantially below the 2010 national health objective of
90% coverage.
Estimates of influenza vaccination coverage among adults aged
50-64 years were low despite the revised ACIP recommendations in
2000. The universal recommendations were broadened to address
the prevalence of high-risk medical conditions in adults aged
50-64 years, of whom approximately 29% have one or more chronic
medical conditions. Age-based strategies for vaccination have
been implemented more successfully than patient-selection
strategies based on medical conditions. Efforts are needed to
increase awareness of the revised recommendations among health-care providers and the general public. Information regarding the
adult immunization schedule is available at
http://www.cdc.gov/nip
Factors predictive of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination
were similar, and having a source for regular health care was
the factor most associated with receiving either vaccination.
After adjustments were made for known potential confounding
factors measured by BRFSS (i.e., education level but not direct
measures of access to care, which were not available),
non-Hispanic whites remained more likely to be vaccinated than
non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics. Strategies for addressing
these disparities are being assessed by the Racial and Ethnic
Adult Disparities Immunization Initiative (READII) through a
2-year demonstration project.
Vaccine production for the 2003-04 influenza season is
proceeding on schedule, and projected production and
distribution schedules will allow for a sufficient supply of
influenza vaccine during October-November. Influenza vaccination
may proceed for all persons at high risk and healthy persons,
individually and through mass campaigns, as soon as vaccine is
available and should continue until supplies are depleted.
Pneumococcal vaccine should be offered all year to adults aged
65 years and older and other persons at high risk. . . .
The variation in influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage
observed among states/areas suggests that opportunities exist to
improve vaccination coverage. Although systems-based approaches
(e.g., standing orders) have been effective in increasing
vaccination coverage levels, these strategies are not
implemented widely. To increase vaccination coverage levels,
states/areas should promote these and other evidence-based
strategies. Low provider reimbursement might be a barrier to
vaccination; however, in 2003, Medicare increased its payment
rates by 94% for administering influenza and pneumococcal
vaccine. Influenza vaccination coverage among adults aged
65 years and older has leveled since 1997, and unless
substantial efforts and innovative approaches are undertaken in
collaboration with public, private, and community partners, the
2010 national health objective might not be achieved.
***********************
To obtain the complete text of the article online, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5241a3.htm
To obtain a camera-ready (PDF format) copy of this issue of
MMWR, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5241.pdf
HOW TO OBTAIN A FREE ELECTRONIC SUBSCRIPTION TO MMWR:
To obtain a free electronic subscription to "Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report" (MMWR), visit CDC's MMWR website at:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr Select "Free Subscription" from the menu
at the left of the screen. Once you have submitted the required
information, weekly issues of MMWR and all new ACIP statements
(published as MMWR's "Recommendations and Reports") will arrive
automatically by email.
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October 20, 2003
NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION PROMOTES FLU SHOTS FOR
AFRICAN AMERICANS
Described as the voice of 25,000 African American physicians,
the National Medical Association issued a press release on
October 7 encouraging everyone, particularly African Americans,
to get immunized against influenza this year.
Reporting that the African American community has lower flu
immunization rates than other groups, the press release quotes
Wilma Wooten, MD, MPH, San Diego Region VI chair of NMA: "There
are a lot of people in our community with diabetes or asthma or
heart and lung conditions. These conditions put you at extra
risk for flu. Immunization levels for African Americans should
be as high or higher than any other ethnic group."
To make sure African Americans and others can easily be
vaccinated against influenza, the press release offers a website
that lets users search by zip code or location for a nearby
pharmacy or grocery store that offers immunizations. The site is
http://www.findaflushot.com
In partnership with the California Department of Health Services
and other organizations, NMA is involved in an advertising and
outreach campaign to promote influenza immunization among
African Americans. The centerpiece is a full-page, full-color
advertisement scheduled for the November issue of "Essence." It
features an over-50 African American woman saying, "I celebrate
my body, I embrace my future, I honor my health."
To access the complete press release, go to:
http://www.nmanet.org/pr/100703.htm
In addition to the advertising campaign, NMA has established a
national minority-focused immunization initiative aimed at
promoting a lifetime approach to reducing vaccine-preventable
disease. For more information, go to:
http://www.nmanet.org/National_Programs_Adult_Immunization.htm
or call the NMA national office at (202) 347-1895.
To access the NMA homepage, go to: http://www.nmanet.org
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October 20, 2003
NEW TRANSLATION: SPANISH-LANGUAGE LIVE INTRANASAL INFLUENZA
VACCINE VIS NOW ON IAC WEBSITE
Dated 9/4/03, the Spanish-language 2003-2004 live intranasal
influenza Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) is now available
on the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) website. IAC
gratefully acknowledges the California Department of Health
Services for the translation.
To obtain a camera-ready (PDF) copy of the live intranasal
influenza VIS in Spanish, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/spliveflu03.pdf
To obtain the VIS in English, go to:
http://www.immunize.org/vis/liveflu03.pdf
For information about the use of VISs, and for VISs in a total
of 29 languages, visit IAC's VIS web page at
http://www.immunize.org/vis
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October 20, 2003
NATIONAL QUALITY FORUM ENDORSES NEW NATIONAL VOLUNTARY CONSENSUS
STANDARDS FOR NURSING HOME PERFORMANCE MEASURES
On October 3, the National Quality Forum issued a press release
announcing its endorsement of new Nursing Home Performance
Measures. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination are among the
measures that apply to all facilities. Portions of the press
release are reprinted below.
*************************
NATIONAL QUALITY FORUM ENDORSES [NEW] NATIONAL VOLUNTARY
CONSENSUS STANDARDS FOR NURSING HOME PERFORMANCE MEASURES
October 3, 2003
The National Quality Forum (NQF) today announced the endorsement
of its [new] Nursing Home Performance Measures. The report--representing the consensus of nearly 200 hospitals and
healthcare systems, consumers groups, professional associations,
purchasers, federal agencies, and research and quality
improvement organizations--provides a standardized set of
performance measures for adult residents in chronic and post-acute care nursing homes.
The primary purpose of the NQF-endorsed measures is to provide
information to facilitate consumers' selection of nursing homes.
Additionally, the measures may be used by discharge planners and
physicians for placement of patients; nursing home providers for
internal quality improvement; and policymakers to oversee
quality. . . .
The [two new immunization] measures that apply to all facilities
are:
-
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination of residents age
65 or older
-
Influenza vaccination for all nursing home residents . . . .
*************************
To access the complete press release, go to:
http://www.qualityforum.org/news/prnursinghomevcs10-3-0311hww.pdf
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October 20, 2003
CDC NOTIFIES READERS ABOUT ITS VIRAL HEPATITIS RESOURCE CENTER
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published
"Notice to Readers: CDC Viral Hepatitis Resource Center Offers
Free Materials for Health Professionals and the General Public"
in the October 17 issue of "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly
Report" (MMWR). The notice is reprinted below in its entirety.
***********************
Viral hepatitis infections represent a major public health
burden in the United States. Persons should understand what
viral hepatitis is and what prevention measures they can take
to prevent viral hepatitis infections. To help health-care
providers and the general public receive the most current,
accurate, accessible viral hepatitis prevention messages, CDC
has created a Viral Hepatitis Resource Center, available at
http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis The resource center contains
educational materials such as brochures, fact sheets, frequently
asked questions, slide sets, and posters. All materials are free
and can be either downloaded directly or ordered online.
***********************
To obtain the complete text of the notice online, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5241a7.htm
To obtain a camera-ready (PDF format) copy of this issue of
MMWR, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5241.pdf
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October 20, 2003
CDC NOTIFIES READERS ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WOMEN
AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published
"Notice to Readers: International Conference on Women and
Infectious Diseases" in the October 17 issue of "Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report" (MMWR). The notice is reprinted below
in its entirety.
***********************
CDC's National Center for Infectious Diseases in collaboration
with numerous partners, is planning the International Conference
on Women and Infectious Diseases to be held February 27-28,
2004, in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. The
goal of the conference is to enhance prevention and control of
infectious diseases among women worldwide. Featured topics
include the impact of globalization, women and human
immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome,
perinatal infectious diseases, vaccinations, and links between
infectious and chronic diseases. Other topics include infectious
disease disparities, sex-appropriate interventions, effective
health communications, and cultural competence in preventing
infectious diseases among women. Additional information is
available from CDC, telephone (404) 371-5312 or (404) 371-5311.
Information about registration is available at
http://www.womenshealthconf.org
***********************
To obtain the complete text of the notice online, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5241a6.htm
To obtain a camera-ready (PDF format) copy of this issue of
MMWR, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/wk/mm5241.pdf
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October 20, 2003
THANK YOU, READERS, FOR FAXING HEADLINES FROM LAST WEEK'S
DEAR ABBY COLUMN PROMOTING INFLUENZA VACCINATION
Readers from San Diego, CA, to Rochester, NY, faxed us headlines
from Dear Abby's October 14 column. Thank you!
It's helpful to us to see the way various newspapers cast the
information the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) sent to Dear
Abby about influenza vaccination and the populations for whom it
is recommended or encouraged.
Here are a few of our favorites headlines; the writers used the
headlines to help spread the column's key messages:
-
"Flu shots won't give you the flu" (from the Atlanta, GA,
"Journal-Constitution")
-
"Remember to get flu vaccination--it may save life of a loved
one" (from the San Diego, CA, "Union")
-
"Flu shot important to protect health of the young and old"
(from the Bloomington, IN, "Herald-Times")
-
"There's no myth about benefits of flu vaccine" (from the
Milwaukee, WI, "Journal-Sentinel")
If you haven't had time to send us the headline from your
local paper, please fax or mail it when you can. Our fax number
is (651) 647-9131. Our address is Immunization Action Coalition, 1573 Selby Avenue, Suite 234, St. Paul, MN 55104.
To access the column from the Dear Abby website, go to:
http://www.uexpress.com/printable/print.html?uc_full_date=20031014&uc_comic=da
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October 20, 2003
REPORT ON THE FIRST PHASE OF THE IMMUNIZATION COALITION
SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT IS COMPLETE AND AVAILABLE ONLINE
Begun in January, the Immunization Coalition Sustainability
Project (ICSP) was created to identify effective immunization
coalitions and communicate their success to others. To that end,
ICSP developed a survey instrument and distributed it to
152 immunization coalitions nationwide.
After receiving completed surveys from 114 coalitions
(75 percent of those surveyed), ICSP wrote a report summarizing
the project to date and presenting a snap shot of the
organizational structure of immunization coalitions that
participated in the survey. To access the report, go to:
http://www.bakalianconsulting.com/ICSPPhase1Report_903.pdf
If your coalition did not respond to the survey and would like
to, go to: http://www.bakalianconsulting.com and click on the
button "click here to register your coalition."
For additional information, email Pat Bakalian or Lucinda L.W.
Connelly at info@bakalianconsulting.com
To view the Immunization Action Coalition's online database of
immunization coalitions, go to:
http://www.izcoalitions.org |
