Web-based course on smallpox vaccine storage and handling

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, August 27, 2004

CDC's National Immunization Program (NIP) announces the availability of "Smallpox Vaccine Storage and Handling," an interactive, Internet-based training course. Goals of the course are to ensure proper storage, handling, and shipping of smallpox vaccine by health-care providers and to support the national emergency preparedness response to bioterrorism events.

The course consists of four self-study modules that participants can complete at their own pace: 1) Vaccine Distribution, 2) Vacciue Storage, 3) Handling the Vaccine: Clinic Issues, and 4) Safeguarding the Vaccine. Supplemental information includes a glossary, Internet resources, and frequently asked questions. Opportunities to test learning are provided through pretests, posttests, and interactive questions and answers. The course also provides practical information on ordering vaccine from the Strategic National Stockpile, monitoring temperature and using proper equipment, reconstituting the vaccine, and developing a vaccine disaster recovery plan.

The audience for this training includes staff in state and local health departments; hospital emergency room technicians, nurses, and laboratory workers; hospital and private physicians; and first responders. The training also is appropriate for clinicians, pharmacists, health educators, and other health-care providers working in private offices, hospitals, and public health settings.

Continuing education credits are offered for various professions based on 2.75 hours of instruction. The course is available free of charge on the NIP website at http://www2.cdc.gov/ nip/isd/spoxvsh/launch1.html. Questions or comments about "Smallpox Vaccine Storage and Handling" may be e-mailed to nipinfo@cdc.gov.