KEYWORDS:
Hotline, Adverse Events, communication, information

BACKGROUND:
The CDC National Immunization Information Hotline (NIIH), operated by the American Social Health Association, began providing information, referrals and publications, to English and Spanish-speaking callers in the United States in March 1997. NIIH is staffed by Health Communication Specialists trained in immunization information, communication skills and data collection.
During NIIH’s years of operation, Hotline staff have noted that a higher number than expected number of calls are related to adverse events listed on the Vaccine Information Statements parents and caregivers must receive by federal law as mild. These calls suggest that in some instances, parents and caregivers receive little guidance regarding the implications of minor adverse events (e.g., duration and treatment).

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate factors associated with high levels of anxiety in the parents and caregivers over minor adverse events, and to determine implications for patient-provider communication.

METHOD:
CDC National Immunization Information Hotline Health Communication Specialists will survey callers who call the Hotline’s English line regarding low-grade fever and/or uncomplicated local reactions in a vaccinated child. The projected survey size is 200 callers. The survey will include questions on the nature of the child’s reaction; the type of facility where the child was vaccinated; what type information was shared with the parent/caregiver orally and in written during the office visit; and how much time was spent with the child’s provider during the visit.

RESULT:
The study will begin on December 2, 2002. Data will be analyzed in February or March 2003. Correlates of adequate/inadequate patient-provider communication before and after the vaccination process will be identified.

CONCLUSION:
Pending (see Results).

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. To determine how parent/caregiver - provider communication influences parents' knowledge of and perceptions about minor adverse events.
2. To consider new approaches of parent/caregiver-provider communication regarding adverse events and vaccine safety.