N C H S - National Immunization Survey - Teen, FAQ for Household Telephone Survey

What information is available about immunizations and about places that provide immunization shots?

What is the purpose of the survey?
Many adolescents are not receiving all of the recommended immunizations. By monitoring and reporting on national immunization rates, the public health agencies in your area will have the information necessary to help prevent outbreaks of many serious diseases.
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New vaccines have become available and are recommended for all adolescents. Immunization has the potential to protect not only the health of adolescents, but their friends, families, and communities.
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Who uses this information?
The National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases and the National Center for Health Statistics (both part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) will use the results of the study to help improve the health and well-being of adolescents aged 13 through 17. By monitoring immunizations across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are able to assess the extent to which the country is reaching immunization goals for this population. No personal identifying information from survey participants will be released or published.
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How are telephone numbers selected?
A computer randomly generates the telephone numbers that are used for the study's telephone survey. The NIS-Teen conducts interviews with people across the entire country.
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Is there a letter that explains the study?
Most households selected for the study receive a letter in advance that explains the purpose of the study. This letter is from Dr. Edward J. Sondik, Director of the National Center for Health Statistics. Not all selected households receive a letter in advance, because the study does not have the mailing address for all telephone numbers selected. You may view the letter or contact the study's telephone survey researchers at 1-866-999-3340 to have a letter sent to your home or to ask us questions about the survey.
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What is the legal authorization for the study?
The study, which is conducted on behalf of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is authorized by the Public Health Service Act [Sections 306 & 2102(a)(7)]. You may call our toll-free number 1-800-223-8118 to verify the legitimacy of this survey and obtain more information. Please mention protocol #2000-17.
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How is confidentiality of information assured?
Confidentiality is mandated by law. Findings will be issued only in summary form and U.S. law requires that the name of study participants not be associated with any answers. Any willful and knowing disclosure in violation of the Privacy Act of 1974 would subject the violator to a fine of up to $5,000. Under the Public Health Service Act, "Unauthorized disclosure of the confidential information is punishable under Title 18, Section 1905 of the U.S. Code." This excerpt is from Section 308d (1) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k), and the Privacy Act of 1974, Section (e) (3). Also, you may view a section of the NCHS Staff Manual on Confidentiality, which further explains the prohibitions against Disclosure of Confidential Information.
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What information is available about immunizations and about places that provide immunizations?
For more information regarding vaccinations or the phone number of a doctor or clinic near you, please call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Information Contact Center at 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) and select option 1. For more information about immunization, please visit the web site for the National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases. National Center for Immunizations And Respiratory Diseases.
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