BACKGROUND:
This report describes New Jersey's smallpox vaccination clinic preparation and implementation efforts and results from evaluations of these efforts.

OBJECTIVE:
During 2003, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies, began preparing and implementing voluntary smallpox vaccination clinics for public health and hospital response teams.

METHOD:
Surveys were distributed to all vaccinees, hospital bioterrorism coordinators, and local health departments to assess clinic experiences.

RESULT:
During January-July 2003, 23 clinics were conducted with over 1000 participants. Of 670 persons vaccinated, 529 (79%) completed surveys. We received 65 surveys from 68 (77%) of 84 acute care hospitals, and 25 responses from 22 regional health agencies that participated in the vaccination program. Respondents felt well-educated about the vaccine and contraindications, received sufficient training, and found working with NJDHSS helpful.

CONCLUSION:
Lessons learned should be incorporated into future preparedness initiatives and professional trainings to facilitate multi-agency collaborative efforts. Building infrastructure and maintaining relationships is critical to response initiatives.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
To explain the components of planning and implementing regional smallpox vaccination clinics.
To describe the education and training process required for smallpox vaccination.
To describe the overall experience of clinic planners and clinic participants.
To explain the importance of fostering and maintaining relationships with public health and health care partners.