Taylor Laura, Tan Christina G, Liu Suoqun, Miro Suzanne, Genese Carol A, Bresnitz Eddy A
Bioterrorism Health Educator, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health, Communicable Disease Service, Trenton, USA.
J Public Health Manag Pract. 2005 May-Jun;11(3):216-21. doi: 10.1097/00124784-200505000-00006.
During 2003, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, in collaboration with other agencies, began planning and implementing voluntary smallpox vaccination clinics.
Surveys were distributed to all vaccinees, hospital bioterrorism coordinators, and local health departments to assess clinic experiences.
During January-July 2003, 23 clinics were conducted with more than 1,000 participants. Of 670 persons vaccinated, 529 (79%) completed surveys. We received 65 surveys from 68 (77%) of 84 hospitals, and 25 responses from 22 regional health agencies.
Vaccination is one component of preparedness; future initiatives must incorporate multiagency collaboration and developing public health infrastructure.