Communicating about Children with HighRisk Medical Conditions CDCs
Communicating about Children with High-Risk Medical Conditions: CDC’s 2009 H 1 N 1 Response April 19, 2010 Denise Levis, MA, Ph. D Brook Nash, MPH, CHES
Timeline of Events • 4/23/09 CDC Emergency Operations Center activated • 5/2009 Children’s Health Team established • 9/4/09 MMWR - H 1 N 1 data and pediatric mortality • 9/14/09 Communication efforts to focus on high-risk children
MMWR Article: “Surveillance for Pediatric Deaths Associated with 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H 1 N 1) Virus Infection – US, April – August 2009” • 67% of children who died with 2009 H 1 N 1 influenza had at least one high-risk medical condition – Among children with high-risk medical conditions, > 90% had neurodevelopmental disorders (e. g. , developmental delay, cerebral palsy, epilepsy) – 59% of the children with neurodevelopmental disorders had more than one neurological diagnosis – 41% had a pulmonary diagnosis
Communication Objective Keep target audiences well informed regarding 2009 H 1 N 1 influenza activity and recommendations on vaccines, treatment, and infection control for children. – Work with vaccine task force – Vaccine message was one of the most important prevention messages to communicate
Target Audiences • Internal CDC • Pediatricians and other health care providers who care for children • Partners, including state and local public health departments • Parents and caregivers of children with highrisk medical conditions (HRMC)
Communication Efforts • Define “high-risk medical conditions” • Internal communication • Materials development • Partner and media outreach
Define “High Risk Medical Conditions” • Partner collaboration to develop a list • Stemmed from Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices (ACIP) • Partner with American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) • Challenges: multiple audiences
High-Risk Medical Conditions • • • Asthma Neurological and neurodevelopmental Chronic lung disease Heart disease Blood Disorders Endocrine disorders Kidney disorders Liver disorders Metabolic disorders Weakened immune system Long-term aspirin therapy Pregnancy
Internal Communication • Educate internally to better communicate externally • Consistency with vaccine guidance • Challenges: complex messaging, version control, changing guidance
Materials Development • Partner requests • Educate parents and pediatricians about children with HRMC • Challenges: no formal audience research, plain language, CDC clearance
Brochure for Parents
Toolkit for Pediatric Subspecialists
Partner & Media Outreach • Partners - YMCA - Association of University Centers on Disability - Easter Seals - Health Resources and Services Administration • Health care providers - American Academy of Pediatrics - Clinician Outreach and Communication Activities
Media Outreach • Media - Good Housekeeping - Vicky & Jen podcast - Medscape video - Pediatric News - disabilityscoop. com • Credible source • Challenges: no formal communication liaison, not enough time
Conclusion • Unique situation • Defining the list of HRMC • Internal messaging • Material production • Dissemination • Work continues…
Special thanks to: Ed Trevathan, MD, MPH Cindy Moore, MD, Ph. D Georgina Peacock, MD, MPH Beth Stevenson, MPH
- Slides: 16