KEYWORDS:
Smallpox, PVS, Emergency Preparedness (EP), Bioterrorism, Registries
BACKGROUND:
Registries have been capturing immunizations and demographic information for nearly a decade. Standards for registry development and use of newer technologies have made registries faster and more user friendly, yet registries weren’t a component of recent smallpox efforts.
OBJECTIVE:
1. Demonstrate that registries have recognized standards and experience pertinent to Emergency Preparedness, and can provide leadership role in EP planning.
2. Make recommendations to better position registries and partner with CDC in the future.
METHOD:
Some registries have been preparing emergency preparedness modules since 9-11. Based on membership interest and need for standardization and sharing of best practices, AIRA formed Bioterrorism committee at the October 2002 National Registry Conference. Within a month, Phase 1 of National Smallpox Vaccination Program (NSVP) kicked into high gear and CDC introduced the then unknown PVS to track Phase 1 smallpox vaccine. Though AIRA wasn’t involved in development of PVS, the BT committee was able to provide feedback to CDC on improvements to PVS and smallpox process.
RESULT:
There were numerous difficulties using PVS during of Phase 1; however, CDC has been receptive to registries’ input and recommendations, and has certified some state registries as alternatives to PVS system.
CONCLUSION:
Phase 1 of NSVP was a missed opportunity to utilize existing immunization registry infrastructure in Bioterrorism preparedness. Immunization registries can and should be a vital component of EP infrastructure – they will save planning time and money. The registry community must work to ensure registries are integral part of EP and are incorporated throughout the planning process.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Future collaboration and integration between registries and the Emergency Preparedness planning structure is critical to overall success.
Back to Episode I: The Range of Registry Roles in Pre-Event Vaccination for Smallpox
Back to The 2003 Immunization Registry Conference (October 27-29, 2003)