Epidemiology

Objectives:

To monitor and control vaccine-preventable diseases in the State, via the surveillance of the reported cases and the investigation of outbreaks of the diseases, as a part of the Program’s efforts in reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases in Maine.

Accomplished by:

Following up all reported vaccine-preventable disease cases to make sure the patients get proper treatment and all close contacts get necessary prophylaxis.

Interrupting transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases by, if necessary, isolating patients, identifying contacts, and tracking down possible source of the disease.

Providing technical supports to the medical community, medical labs, and other health care professionals following the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Ensuring the timely and complete vaccination of children in the State to prevent the occurrence of vaccine-preventable disease.

Working with vaccine adverse events reporting system (VARES) to monitor these events and to help in the promotion of vaccines.

Program Components

Epidemiology