Annually for the past eight years, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) and the National Coalition for Adult Immunization (NCAI) have recognized a week in October as National Adult Immunization Awareness Week (NAIAW). Both organizations have used this time to alert Americans to the benefits of vaccines and the major vaccine-preventable diseases that adults should protect themselves against: influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, hepatitis A and B, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, and varicella. This year, NAIAW is October 20-26.

Each year NCAI develops a campaign kit to assist its members and others in getting the adult immunization message to as many people as possible in an interesting and informative fashion. The kit serves as a starting point for community action.

Included in the kit are an adult immunization schedule, poster, camera-ready ads in both English and Spanish, a broadcast media guide, immunization fact sheets, and sample brochures. A letter from President Clinton commending NCAI for its recognition of National Adult Immunization Awareness Week also is included. All materials can be duplicated or modified and made into kits for local member chapters; local and regional health departments; and other interested groups.

Last year about 1,300 campaign kits were distributed nationwide. NCAI members, state immunization coordinators, regional outreach coordinators of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regional flu coordinators of the Health Care Financing Administration, state and local adult immunization and adult health care coalitions and other select groups will receive a complimentary kit in August. Others may receive it by sending a request with a check for $9.95 (for each kit) to NCAI, 1996 Campaign Kit, 4733 Bethesda Avenue, Suite 750, Bethesda, MD 20814-5228. Please make check payable to the National Coalition for Adult Immunization.