DHS news release

May 11, 2007

Contact: Bonnie Widerburg, Oregon Department of Human Services, 971-673-1282
Jeff Smith, WA Department of Health, 360-236-4072

Media availability: Northwest Immunization Conference

What: Interview opportunity with public health leaders and presenters at the Northwest Immunization Conference, sponsored by the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Washington Department of Health.

Who: Susan Allan, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., Oregon State Public Health Director, State Health Officer;
Maxine Hayes, M.D., M.P.H. Washington State Health Officer;
Anne Schuchat, M.D. Director, National Center for Immunization and
Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

When: Tuesday, May 15, 2007, 10:30 a.m; phone conference interviews at 11 a.m.

Where: Hilton Portland on Sixth Avenue
Plaza Suite 921 SW Sixth Avenue

Phone interviews at 1-800-508-7631, meeting code *7723325*

Details: Overall childhood immunization coverage rates for children are at near record highs, yet more than 30 percent of young children in Washington and Oregon have not received all recommended immunizations. Recent outbreaks of mumps, whooping cough, and flu show that more work must be done to improve immunization rates. Other challenges include ensuring adequate vaccine supply, monitoring vaccine safety, and adding new vaccines.

The Washington State Department of Health and Oregon Department of Human Services are sponsoring the 2007 Northwest Immunization Conference. It’s the first of its kind in the Pacific Northwest; more than 500 immunization professionals are expected to attend. 

###