New Jersey's smallpox vaccination clinic experiences, 2003.

PURPOSE: During 2003, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, in collaboration with other agencies, began planning and implementing voluntary smallpox vaccination clinics.

METHODS

Surveys were distributed to all vaccinees, hospital bioterrorism coordinators, and local health departments to assess clinic experiences.

RESULTS

During January-July 2003, 23 clinics were conducted with more than 1,000 participants. Of 670 persons vaccinated, 529 (79%) completed surveys. We received 65 surveys from 68 (77%) of 84 hospitals, and 25 responses from 22 regional health agencies.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccination is one component of preparedness; future initiatives must incorporate multiagency collaboration and developing public health infrastructure.