The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62690

Nicole F. Kozma, MPH¹, Bruce W. Clements, MPH², Ryan Newkirk, BA², Nicole A. Lawhorn, BS¹, and RG Evans, PhD, MPH². (1) School of Public Health, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63104, 314-977-8185, kozmanf@slu.edu, (2) Center for the Study of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infections, Saint Louis University, School of Public Health, 3663 Lindell Blvd., Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63108-3342

The threat of a smallpox attack by terrorists and recent preparedness initiatives to carry out pre-event smallpox vaccinations present challenges for healthcare and public health. Additionally, the planning and training needed to effectively prepare for the establishment of mass vaccination clinics in response to confirmed cases pose particular challenges. A reference and training program was developed to provide the health-care and public health workforce with useful information in the preparation of a pre-event or post-event vaccination program.

Content is delivered using a CD-ROM format, which includes PowerPoint slides, audio lectures, and written documents. An individual can elect to complete the program in one session. However, the program is broken into modules, which may be completed separately. Information includes: the background and history of the disease, guidelines on isolation and quarantine, vaccine administration, vaccine clinic set up, and recognizing and reporting adverse reactions to the vaccine. Learning objectives include: an understanding of the background and history of smallpox, familiarity with the approved CDC procedure and method used to administer the vaccine, and identification of the adverse effects associated with the smallpox vaccine.

Material development included a literature review and characterization of programmatic objectives. Content is intended to complement but not replace the CDC Smallpox Response Plan and Guidelines. In addition, the CDC recommendations were enhanced using suggestions from a variety of experts who assisted in developing and reviewing content. The expertise contributed to the development of this preparedness product included infectious disease physicians, vaccine researchers, and public health preparedness professionals.

Learning Objectives:

• Learning objectives include: an understanding of the background and history of smallpox, familiarity with the approved CDC procedure and method used to administer the vaccine, and identification of the adverse effects associated with the smallpox vaccine.

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Health Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.