Access immunization resources for physician and patient education

The Texas Department of State Health Services has made several resources available to educate physicians and their patients on the influenza vaccine, its administration and recommendations, and other vaccinations that promote healthy living throughout all patients’ lives.

In February, the DSHS Immunization Branch launched Texas Vaccine Education Online, a web-based education site that provides 21 immunization-related education modules that range from a general vaccine overview to specific recommendations for storage and handling of vaccines. The modules are intended to reach not only physicians who administer vaccines, but also parents, schools, child care facilities and other groups. To access the modules, go to www.vaccineeducationonline.org and select “health care providers.” Users will need to log-in or set up a new DSHS account.

Though DSHS does not require physicians to report incidents of flu under most circumstances, the commission keeps a close eye on flu activity in the state through several physician, research and regional networks. Each week during flu season, DSHS broadcasts the week’s flu activity level and the Texas Weekly Flu Report, which contains the current flu activity level, regional reports, lab data, outbreak reports and maps and charts illustrating flu activity. Access the full report for week 7 and archived flu reports on the DSHS Web site.

To join the flu activity listserv, contact Lesley Bullion, an epidemiologist in DSHS’ Infectious Disease Surveillance and Epidemiology Branch, at lesley.bullion@dshs.state.tx.us.

For more information on immunization resources, go to the DSHS Immunization Branch Web site, www.immunizeTexas.com.