March 2005
CDC: Rubella, a major cause of birth defects, no longer a health threat in US
WHO: Dr. Julie Gerberding, director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, director, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
WHAT: Announcement that rubella, a major cause of birth defects, is no longer a health threat in the United States.
WHEN: Monday, March 21, 2005
10:45 a.m. ET
Brief remarks followed by Q/A
WHERE: Washington Hilton and Towers
Washington, DC
Map Room, on the Terrace Level (Directional signs will be posted in the hotel.)
CALL-IN: 888-795-0855
Passcode: CDC Media
LISTEN-ONLY AUDIO WEBCAST This briefing will also be audio webcast. To listen LIVE online: http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media
TRANSCRIPT A full transcript of this teleconference will be available following the briefing at the CDC web site at www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media.
The briefing is part of the 39th annual National Immunization Conference which will be held March 21�24, 2005. Conference highlights include: a March 21 opening session with CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding. Later, Dr. Bruce Gellin, head of the National Vaccine Program Office, will address influenza issues and CDC flu expert Dr. Keiji Fukuda will address concerns about the new H5N1 flu strain. Tuesday March 22 includes a plenary session with CDC immunization expert Dr. Jeanne Santoli, who will provide an overview of the 2004-2005 influenza season and vaccine shortage. Later, Dr. Glen Nowak, CDC's acting director of media relations, will discuss effective communication in an emergency. A special plenary session will be held on March 23 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the polio vaccine.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES