KEYWORDS:
immunization, patient education, reference, myths, safety

BACKGROUND:
A survey of primary medical offices identified a need for a
patient resource that health providers could use to answer questions related to immunizations.

OBJECTIVE(S):
To create a resource for use at primary care medical offices
to provide patient information on vaccine benefits, indications, and safety; and to establish a strategy for distributing regular updates of these materials.

METHOD(S):
The initial provider survey was conducted through the local
medical society. Survey responses led to the preparation of an information binder containing: 1) Stories about "unprotected people" who contracted various vaccine-preventable diseases; 2) Routine and special vaccine recommendations for pediatric and adult patients; 3) Vaccine
information sheets; 4) Answers to common patient questions about vaccine safety; and 5) Suggestions on evaluating immunization information found on the Internet and elsewhere. These materials were reproduced (with
attribution) from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Immunization Action Coalition (IAC), and other authoritative web sites that provide copyright free patient and professional information.

RESULT(S):
Results: The print edition of this resource has been distributed to approximately 120 pediatric and family practice offices. Electronic access is also being established through the web sites of the medical
society and a children's hospital, whereby links will provide continuously updated access to source web sites. Faxed updates will also be provided to participating medical offices. A followup survey of these offices is planned in approximately 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
Conclusions: This patient resource has been produced by the Metro Omaha Immunization Task Force to provide quick access to understandable, pertinent, timely and authoritative immunization information targeted for laypersons. The resource may be placed in office waiting rooms with
direct patient access, or excerpts may be copied and provided by health care professionals at the time they are asked vaccination related questions.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Objectives.