KEYWORD1:
registry, smallpox, bioterrorism, NEDSS, HAN

BACKGROUND:
States and local jurisdictions have established plans for smallpox and pandemic flu. Many jurisdictions also have functional immunization registries, have implemented core components of the Health Alert Network (HAN) and have begun planning for implementation of the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS).

OBJECTIVE:
To describe how to leverage the potential of recent technology initiatives to support smallpox planning and identify how jurisdictions can invest in this technology to strengthen their ability to respond to other types of public health emergencies such as pandemic flu or other large outbreaks or immunization campaigns.

METHOD:
Provide examples of how states and local jurisdictions can leverage technology to support planning for mass immunization and disease outbreak containment. Technologies and initiatives reviewed will include NEDSS, immunization registries, HAN, electronic VAERS, GIS as well as palmtops, wireless modems, data sticks and other innovations. Discussion will include integration of these systems and technologies to strengthen public health's ability to detect and respond to outbreaks.

RESULT:
Leveraging existing technology initiatives to strengthen bioterrorism preparedness will also strengthen the ability of jurisdictions to respond to other types of disease outbreaks and mass immunization campaigns beyond smallpox, and the ability of public health to share data and information more effectively.

CONCLUSION:
State and local public health should plan strategically for the multiple used of technology initiatives and plan for the integrated use of this technology beyond current uses to support bioterrorism preparedness and enhanced public health capability to respond to other public health emergencies.
LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:
Understand many current technology initiatives in public health and learn how to plan strategically to enhance the ability of jurisdictions to respond to many types of public health outbreaks and immunization campaigns.