Storage and Handling Lessons Ready for Pilot Testing

Pilot versions of two new interactive EZ-IZ lessons, Storing Vaccines and Monitoring Vaccine Temperatures, previewed May 13 and 14 at the 2009 Immunization Coordinators’ Meeting. IZ Coordinators, VFC field staff, IZ Branch staff, and other attendees had the opportunity to “test drive” the lessons and give feedback to the EZ-IZ development team.

The primary target audience for the two storage and handling lessons is medical assistants in California VFC provider practices. However, anyone responsible for the storage or handling of vaccines needs the skills and knowledge provided in the training.

Key content in Storing Vaccines includes:

• Types of vaccine storage units
• How to set up refrigerators and freezers for vaccine storage
• How to safeguard the power supply

Key content in Monitoring Vaccine Temperatures includes:

• Types of vaccine thermometers
• How to read thermometers
• Acceptable temperature ranges
• How to complete temperature logs
• Vaccine storage emergency plans

The Branch development team will be evaluating the new lessons in the coming weeks. The two lessons are scheduled to launch this summer. Their release is targeted to coincide with the new storage and handling guidelines for VFC providers. The lessons will be available on www.eziz.org and are part of an expanding curriculum for VFC providers, which currently includes Preparing Vaccines and Administering Vaccines.

New Immunization Techniques Video Coming Soon!

The Immunization Branch is updating their award-winning Immunization Techniques training video. Segments will be integrated into the interactive learning modules on EZIZ.org and will also be available as a stand-alone DVD. CDPH produced the original video in the 1990s and updated it in 2001. Since the last update, vaccine recommendations, products, and routes of administration have changed. The revised and updated training will meet health care staff and Medical Assistant trainers’ demand for the latest information. In addition to demonstrating correct techniques, the new program highlights the importance of immunizations across the lifespan, patient observation following immunizations, and vaccine selection. Look for the release in early summer 2009.

CIC Summit Features Campaign, Expert Speakers

The California Immunization Coalition (CIC) used their April 20-21 Summit “Strengthening Trust in Vaccines,” in Pasadena to launch the “i choose” campaign. The campaign www.whyichoose.org features real people’s stories to promote immunizations and uses a variety of innovative media including public ad space, social media websites, and community magazines. Summit participants expressed enthusiasm for the new campaign. Dozens of people posed for photos and gave testimonials for the campaign website.

Over 200 Summit participants also had the opportunity to hear esteemed immunization experts Dr. Paul Offit, Dr. Litjen Tan, and communication specialists Dr. Lawrence Wallack and Lars Ullberg. Speakers emphasized the important role coalition members can play in strengthening the public’s trust in immunizations. Presenters and panelists encouraged attendees to respond quickly to immunization misperceptions and falsehoods presented in the media.  View local media coverage or find Summit highlights and presentations online at www.immunizeCa.org.

Virtual Town Hall Webcast Archived for On Demand Viewing

The California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch debuted the virtual town hall webcast, Vaccines: Wading through the Confusionon February 19, 2009.  Over 600 participants from around the US viewed program live.  Participants engaged in various interactive features, including a live question-and answer session, chat rooms, and a blog.  Now, individuals who were unable to view the webcast when it first aired can see an archived version on-demand.

While the public’s confidence in vaccines has been tested in recent years, science has consistently shown that vaccines to be a safe and effective way to prevent diseases and protect the public health.  One great challenge health care providers face is communicating the science and facts to the public in a way that is empathetic, understandable and personal. This webcast provides a candid discussion about parents’ questions and fears about vaccines, featuring a panel of medical, scientific, public health, and communications professionals. The panel also includes parents whose lives have been touched by vaccine-preventable disease or by autism, and a parent seeking reliable information to help keep her child safe and healthy.  To view the program, visit www.whyichoose.org/webcasts/video.html.