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Louisiana Tests Bioterrorism Preparedness Planning and Response
Between July 31 and August 2, 2003, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health (DHH/OPH) conducted a drill to test the state's capacity to respond to a bioterrorism event. In addition to testing preparedness and response, the drill was used to raise Louisiana's immunization coverage levels. The drill was structured around a mass immunization effort that included conducting statewide reminder/recall for Louisiana's 0-2 and 4-6 year old birth cohort. A budget of $1 million, funded through a bioterrorism grant, was allocated to fund the cost of vaccines, supplies, media coverage, and labor.
To prepare for the event, nearly 240,000 reminder/recall notices were sent out to children in need of immunizations. These notices were sent out through the Louisiana Immunization Network for Kids Statewide (LINKS), developed by Scientific Technologies Corporation. LINKS was the primary tool used to support all activities throughout the drill. Reminder/recall was generated through LINKS, immunization coverage level assessments were conducted using data from LINKS and data was entered at the time of service for all patients presenting for immunization services or providing immunization histories during the time of the drill.
Officials from nine regions of the state participated in the drill. Over 70 clinics were open across the state during this three-day period. In order to support the large number of BT participants during the drill, a Command and Control Center was set up in New Orleans. In addition, five STC staff were available around the state to support the process and provide technical assistance as needed.
During the drill, over 11,000 patients received approximately 25,000 vaccinations. In addition, nearly 8,000 patients provided historical immunization records that brought their LINKS record up to date - over 100,000 historical immunizations were entered into the system. The event was such a success that DHH/OPH opted to provide free immunizations throughout the entire month of August. A comprehensive assessment is currently underway to analyze the impact on immunization coverage throughout the state.
Source: Michele Bonjour, STC