title: Challenges and changes: immunization program managers share perspectives in a 2012 national survey about the US immunization system since the H1N1 pandemic response.
abstract: In mid-2012 we conducted survey of immunization program managers (IPMs) for the purpose of describing relationships between immunization programs and emergency preparedness programs, IPM's perceptions of challenges encountered and changes made or planned in programmatic budgeting, vaccine allocation and pandemic plans as a result of the H1N1 vaccination campaign. Over 95% of IPMs responded (61/64) to the survey. IPMs reported that a primary budget-related challenge faced during H1N1 included staff-related restrictions that limited the ability to hire extra help or pay regular staff overtime resulting in overworked regular staff. Other budget-related challenges related to operational budget shortfalls and vaccine procurement delays. IPMs described overcoming these challenges by increasing staff where possible, using executive order or other high-level support by officials to access emergency funds and make policy changes, as well as expedite hiring and spending processes according to their pandemic influenza plan or by direction from leadership. Changes planned for response to future pandemic vaccine allocation strategies were to "tailor the strategy to the event" taking into account disease virulence, vaccine production rates and public demand, having flexible vaccine allocation strategies, clarifying priority groups for vaccine receipt to providers and the public, and having targeted clinics such as through pharmacies or schools. Changes already made to pandemic plans were improving strategies for internal and external communication, improving vaccine allocation efficiency, and planning for specific scenarios. To prepare for future pandemics, programs should ensure well-defined roles, collaborating during non-emergency situations, sustaining continuity in preparedness funding, and improved technologies.
authors.affiliation: a Hubert Department of Global Health ; Rollins School of Public Health ; Emory University ; Atlanta , GA USA.
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Seib
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chamberlain
authors.forename: Katelyn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.forename: Eileen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Curran
authors.forename: Ellen As
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Whitney
authors.forename: Walter A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Orenstein
authors.forename: Alan R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Hinman
authors.forename: Saad B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Omer
mesh_terms: D002959:Civil Defense; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000191:economics*; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000276:immunology; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D058873:Pandemics; D014481:United States; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000078329:Workforce
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines
keywords: AIM, Association of Immunization Managers; CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; EP, emergency preparedness programs; FAQ, frequently asked questions; ICS, incident command structures; IIS, immunization information systems; IP, immunization program; IPM, immunization program manager; OB, obstetrician; PIP, pandemic influenza plan; POD, point of distribution; budget; communication; emergency preparedness; immunization programs; leadership; pandemic influenza plan; staff; vaccine allocation; vaccine procurement