The first phase of the research project was begun in late December and examined what already exists in health care literature on the behavior and interests of those being vaccinated as well as those providing the vaccine. The second project phase will consist of primary research designed to fill in gaps in the existing literature. A marketing plan will be produced for NCAI to guide the implementation of educational activities in 1997 and beyond.

"There is an immediate need to increase the vaccination rates among high-risk adult groups," said Gregory A. Poland, MD, Chair of the NCAI Steering Committee. "Through this research, we hope to gain an increased understanding of why adults choose not to be vaccinated and why health care providers fail to vaccinate their patients. This information will allow NCAI to refocus its education program to better inform consumers and providers about the life-saving vaccines that are available."

The research project will be implemented by CDB Research & Consulting, Inc., a New York-based research firm. "Although we've done a significant amount of healthcare work in the past, this is definitely an area that has the potential to help save lives," said Larry G. Chiagouris, PhD, Managing Director of CDB Research. The project is expected to be completed by summer 1996.

NCAI is a coalition of more than 85 national voluntary and grants-making organizations, corporations and government agencies whose mission is to improve the immunization status of adults, through information and education, to the levels specified by the Surgeon General of the United States. Its headquarters are located in the Bethesda, Maryland, offices of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

Funding for the research project is provided through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

On December 5, 1995, NCAI sponsored a national press conference to release results of a Gallup Organization study that showing that a significant portion of adults, including college students who are at risk for measles, have not protected themselves by vaccination. Dr. Poland urged students to get their second dose of measles vaccine during the holiday break from classes. University students are considered at special risk because they often live in close quarters, thus increasing chances for spreading the highly contagious virus.

Other speakers were Harry Cotugno, PhD, from The Gallup Organization and Stephen Redd, MD, head of the Measles Elimination Division, National Immunization Program, CDC.

There was widespread media coverage of the event, that included a front-page "snapshot" in USA Today and a segment by "NBC Today" medical commentator Dr. Art Ulene.