3123.0: Monday, November 13, 2000 - 3:30 PM

Abstract #13572

Hot topics in vaccine safety

Beth F. Hibbs, RN, MPH and Gerlinda Gallegos Somerville, MHP, CHES. Vaccine Safety and Development Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Immunization Program, 1600 Clifton Rd., MS: E-61, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-639-8256, bfh0@cdc.gov

Health care providers and others working in the vaccine field will need to become familiar with vaccine safety surveillance activities, resources and risk communication approaches in the new age of participatory health decision making. This session will cover recent vaccine safety issues in the news and will incorporate how CDC evaluates the safety of vaccines with the help of health care providers and the public utilizing passive and active vaccine safety monitoring systems. Two national vaccine-safety surveillance systems including the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, and the Vaccine Safety Datalink will be highlighted. The session will also provide background information about vaccine safety research and resources. Key risk communication principles and how they can be applied to difficult questions and concerns about vaccines will also be discussed. By the end of the session, participants will be able to: describe 2 current hot topics in the news; itemize the requirements for making a report to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System; identify the strengths and weaknesses of reporting systems; explain basic principles that can be used in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of scientific information cited in the news; and list 3 vaccine risks communication principles.

Learning Objectives: Describe 2 current hot topics in the news Itemize the requirements for making a report to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System Identify the strengths and weaknesses of reporting systems Define basic principles that can be used in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of scientific information cited in the news List 3 vaccine risk communication principles

Keywords: Immunizations, Risk Communication

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Immunization Program
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA