Programs that attempt to control the occurrence and spread of the virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in 2019 that causes the respiratory illness COVID-19, which probably originally emerged from an animal source but has spread from person-to-person in many locales as well as to other countries around the world and has been identified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. SARS, another coronavirus that emerged to infect people, came from civet cats, while MERS (the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), another coronavirus that emerged to infect people, came from camels. Symptoms of the current infection include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Those most at risk from the virus are older adults and people with preexisting health conditions. Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. There is no evidence of transmission of the virus associated with imported goods. Strategies for controlling the spread of the virus include testing individuals who have had contact with people with active cases, tracing people who have had contact with people who have tested positively or have contracted the virus, quarantining individuals who have the illness and, in areas that have experienced community transmission, asking residents to engage in social distancing (avoiding large parties, sporting events and other venues where large crowds typically gather). Local authorities may ask that special events like conferences, festivals and concerts be cancelled or rescheduled or may ban large gatherings altogether, for example having sports events take place without on-site spectators.

Public health laboratories that conduct diagnostic testing to determine whether an individual has the COVID-19 virus. Health care professionals authorize who should be tested based on a combination of the individual's symptoms (though someone with COVID may be asymptomatic), underlying medical conditions and risk of exposure to the virus. Samples can be collected through a nose swab, throat swab or saliva sample. Once the sample is taken, it is put into a sterile container and sent to the lab where the sample is analyzed and copies are made of the virus' RNA. The machine attempts to match the person's RNA with the coronavirus RNA to determine a positive or negative result.

Programs that provide information about vaccines and the illnesses they prevent, laws related to vaccines and exemptions (i.e., immunization requirements for schools, colleges/universities, preschools and child care facilities as well as the conditions under which individuals can request exemptions, usually medical contraindications and reasons of conscience including a philosophical or religious belief), recommended immunization schedules for people of different ages, vaccine safety concerns (e.g., potential side effects), statistics on immunization coverage and disease incidence and/or access to official vaccine information statements that explain to vaccine recipients, their parents, or their legal representatives both the benefits and risks of a vaccine which are handed out whenever certain vaccinations are given. Information may also be available about groups that advocate for reform of policies relating to vaccination requirements and their agenda; and topics of special interest such as travel vaccines, bioterrorism, vaccinations and pregnancy, and immunization recommendations for health care workers.

Individuals who are generally between the ages of 18 and 25 depending on the ages that specific programs use for qualification.

A respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in 2019 which likely originally emerged from an animal source, has spread person-to-person in many locales as well as to other countries around the world and has been identified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Symptoms include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Those most at risk from the virus are older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Programs that provide information and/or services that deal with the topics of environmental health, communicable disease control, immunizations and other public health issues.