BACKGROUND:
Although vaccine-preventable disease has been reduced significantly among children, substantial morbidity and mortality from diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, and pneumococcal infections continue to occur among adults. Recommendations for routine or targeted vaccination of adults have existed for many years; however, immunization rates are dismally low.

OBJECTIVE:
To develop a kit that enables healthcare providers and others new to immunization to incorporate adult immunization into their work settings.

METHOD:
With funding from CDC's Division of Viral Hepatitis, a project team was assembled, including a professional writer, content experts, and a layout and design expert. Core content was identified and the development phase continued over a period of 3+ years. New pieces were developed to meet needs of providers and a method to keep materials current was designed. All final content was thoroughly reviewed by CDC staff for technical accuracy.

RESULT:
An attractive 157-page easy-to-follow guide was written in a warm and inviting style. Divided into 7 chapters, the guide presents practical information on handling and storing vaccines, deciding whom to vaccinate, administering vaccines, documenting vaccination delivery, and billing for vaccination services. It also contains nearly 50 stand-alone educational pieces, each containing an on-line link to its most current version. Other accompanying material included two videos for staff training, a pack of adult immunization record cards, and other useful clinic materials. 5,000 copies were distributed, and the guide's content was placed on IAC's website and onto a CD-ROM.

CONCLUSION:
Developing manuals is an enormous task. A commitment of staff is essential. Incorporating on-line links to current information will keep material current and relevant.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
To understand how an educational tool can be produced to meet the needs of practitioners and others new to the field of immunization.