Adult vaccinations
are focus of event

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Immunization of adults to reduce deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases will be emphasized at a conference Sept. 22 at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort.

The event, "Adult Immunization: Putting Knowledge and Tools into Practice," is sponsored by the Hawaii Immunization Coalition and the Rotary Clubs of Hawaii.

Childhood deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases have dropped to less than 500 per year nationally because of vaccination efforts, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, more than 30,000 adults die in an average year from influenza, pneumococcal disease, hepatitis B and other diseases that can be prevented with vaccines, said the CDC.

"Many adults assume vaccinations are only for infants and toddlers," said Dr. Alex Silver, of the Rotary Clubs of Hawaii. "We hope to educate the public and health-care providers of the need to vaccinate adults."

Continuing education credits will be available for various professions, based on five hours of instruction at the conference.

Speakers will address topics related to adult immunization, emergency preparedness, vaccination of health-care providers and pandemic flu.

For more information, contact Lee-Ann Wong Choy of Pacific Rim Concepts LLC, Hawaii Immunization Coalition conference coordinator, at 864-9812 or prc@hawaii.rr.com.

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