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I. Products and Services
1. EPI Newsletter
The EPI Newsletter, was established in May of 1979, and is
produced every two months in English and Spanish. Its purpose is to
facilitate the exchange of ideas and information concerning
immunization programs in the Region, in order to promote greater
knowledge of the problems faced and their possible solutions. The
articles published are written by staff or adapted from outside
sources. Twenty thousand copies of each issue are distributed free
of charge.
2. Weekly Polio Surveillance Bulletin
The Weekly Polio Surveillance Bulletin is prepared using the
Polio Eradication Surveillance System (see section III). The Polio Bulletin provides information on cases of acute flaccid paralysis,
such as the number of cases reported by country, their laboratory
status and final diagnoses. In addition, countries' attention to AFP
surveillance indicators are monitored and published in this
bulletin. This bulletin is distributed by fax, air mail and on the
World Wide Web.
3. Weekly Measles Surveillance Bulletin
The Weekly Measles Bulletin is prepared using the MESS database
(see section III). The Measles Bulletin provides information on
cases of suspected measles, such as the number of cases reported by
country and their final diagnoses. In addition, surveillance
indicators are monitored and published in this bulletin. This
bulletin is distributed by fax, air mail and on the World Wide Web.
II. Periodicals/documents holdings
The Immunization Unit produces and receives a selection of reports and articles
printed in journals, periodicals, newsletters and other
publications. Publications are acquired from a variety of sources,
including foundations, associations, medical schools, among others.
Many of the publications are provided free of charge, however there
are a few which are paid for by the Unit.
Articles from these periodicals which are found useful are
reproduced and sent via pouch to the staff at PAHO field
offices.
III. Databases
1. PAISIS: EPI Information System Data sources: Monthly and yearly reporting by countries via E-mail.
Output:Morbidity, mortality and coverage reports are posted on PAHO's Web-Site and published in a bi-monthly newsletter.
Internet location: www.paho.org (search EPI Newsletter).
Description: Gathers and maintains data on population, morbidity, mortality, immunization and surveillance for any and all diseases, vaccines, countries, states or counties as defined by the user.
2. PESS: Polio Eradication Surveillance System
Data sources: Weekly reporting by countries via e-mail.
Output: Weekly published bulletin distributed by E-mail, fax, air-mail and internet.
Description: Gathers and maintains case-based information on acute flaccid paralysis, including laboratory diagnosis. Evaluates reporting an produces indicators to monitor progress towards eradication and certification as prescribed by the Technical Advisory Group (TAG).
3. MESS: Measles Elimination Surveillance System
Data sources: Weekly reporting by countries via e-mail.
Output: Weekly published bulletin distributed by E-mail, fax, air-mail and internet (www.paho.org/english/hvp/hvp-publ.htm and www.paho.org/spanish/hvp/hvp-publ.htm)
Description: Gathers and maintains case-based information on suspected measles cases, including laboratory diagnosis. Evaluates reporting an produces indicators to monitor progress towards elimination as prescribed by the Technical Advisory Group (TAG).
4. Immunization Unit Document Index
Data Sources: Technical material, documents, manuals, guides produced in-house and as a result of technical panels/groups.
Outputs: Lists of documents by subject, author, title, language and other qualifiers.
Description: Identifies and classifies all technical documents with pertinent information, such as title, author, subject, language, copies on hand, date of publication.
5. Immunization Unit Mailing List
Data sources: Subscription requests given by phone, e-mail or letter, meeting participants technical panel members.
Outputs: Lists, labels and statistics used for the mailing of the EPI Newsletter
Description: Gathers and maintains mailing information on individuals, institutions, professional associations, NGOs and others for the purpose of information dissemination.
HVP receives requests for general information which may include statistical data regarding EPI target diseases. These requests are replied to by 1 professional staff member, 1 support staff member and 1 temporary consultant.
V. Services rendered electronically or printed
This information is available at this office for Headquarters' staff, field staff and to the general public.
Payment for services is supported by the Immunization Unit (IM) resources. Most services are provided free of charge to users, and are sent both electronically and on paper.
Information systems are used by HQ staff and field staff on a daily basis. The dissemination of information provides IM with worldwide exposure, and the information systems used give IM the ability to collate information to ensure that reliable and pertinent data about vaccine-preventable diseases are available to staff. |
