| Issue Number
29, May 10, 2005 |
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| Contents of this Issue |
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ABBREVIATIONS: ACIP, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; CDC, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention; DVH, Division of Viral Hepatitis; HAV,
hepatitis A virus; HBV, hepatitis B virus; HCV, hepatitis C virus; IAC,
Immunization Action Coalition; IDU, injection drug user; MMWR, Morbidity and
Mortality Weekly Report; MSM, men who have sex with men; STD, sexually
transmitted disease; VIS, Vaccine Information Statement; WHO, World Health
Organization.
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May 10, 2005
MAY 9-16 IS THE FIRST NATIONAL HEPATITIS B AWARENESS WEEK; "AIM FOR THE B"
CAMPAIGN IS PLANNED FOR THE SAME TIME
[The following is cross posted from the Immunization Action Coalition's "IAC
EXPRESS" electronic newsletter, 05/09/05.]
The Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) recently announced that the U.S. Congress has
designated May 9-16 as the first National Hepatitis B Awareness Week. A public
awareness campaign, "AIM for the B," sponsored by HBF and Bristol-Myers Squibb,
is scheduled for the same time. The campaign includes events in four U.S. cities
that have a high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus infection:
Philadelphia, PA; New York, NY; San Jose, CA; and San Francisco, CA. Following
is excerpted information from the HBF website about both the awareness week and
the awareness campaign.
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FIRST NATIONAL HEPATITIS B AWARENESS WEEK
May 9-16, 2005
For the first time, the U.S. Congress issued a resolution designating May 9-16,
2005, as National Hepatitis B Awareness Week. The resolution calls for Americans
to observe the week with programs and activities to raise awareness about
hepatitis B as an important public health concern. It also seeks to highlight
the potentially life-threatening consequences of chronic hepatitis B and the
urgency to seek appropriate care. . . .
The resolution specifically recognizes the need for a comprehensive public
education and awareness campaign for patients and physicians in order to help
increase the length and quality of life [of] those diagnosed with chronic
hepatitis B. . . .
"AIM FOR THE B" CAMPAIGN SPOTLIGHTS HEPATITIS B
"AIM for the B" (Awareness, Involvement, and Mobilization for Chronic Hepatitis
B) is a public awareness program that will take place May 9-16, 2005, to
coincide with National Hepatitis B Awareness Week. Local physicians, patients,
and third-party organizations will gather to share their experiences with the
disease, and discuss the importance of early diagnosis and care. . . .
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To access the announcement about National Hepatitis B Awareness Week and the
text of the Congressional resolution, go to:
http://www.hepb.org/about/week.htm
To access the announcement about the "AIM for the B" campaign, go to:
http://www.hepb.org/about/aim.htm
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May 10, 2005
CDC'S WEBSITE HIGHLIGHTS HEPATITIS AWARENESS MONTH ACTIVITIES AROUND THE NATION
May has been designated National Hepatitis Awareness Month, a time to educate
the public, members of the media, elected officials, and healthcare
professionals about viral hepatitis.
The Division of Viral Hepatitis
website offers timely information regarding activities planned for this
occasion. The website includes resources for bridging the Spanish-language gap,
a viral hepatitis quiz in Spanish, and hepatitis awareness activities listed by
state and city.
To access this information, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/may.htm
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