Message Types

Message types are default categories that classify notifications An alert, update, advisory, information, drill, or test message that can be sent & received through delivery methods such as email, voice, text, fax, or inbox. to help people understand the significance of a notification they receive. When creating a notification, you must identify if it is a PHIN (Public Health Information Network) communication as well as the type of message. The PHIN Messaging System is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) solution for secure electronic message transport between CDC and public health information systems. For more information, please see: https://www.cdc.gov/phin/index.html. When you select a message type, that message type is added to the front of the notification subject. For example, a notification titled COVID-19 Hospitalization Surge sent as an Alert will appear as: Alert: COVID-19 Hospitalization Surge.

System Administrators can configure message types. These are the default options.

  • Alert: An alert An alert, update, advisory, information, drill, or test message that can be sent & received through delivery methods such as email, voice, text, fax, or inbox. conveys the highest level of importance. It provides vital, time-sensitive information for a specific incident or situation and warrants immediate attention by health officials, laboratory technicians, clinicians, and members of the public.

  • Update: An update follows an alert or advisory and provides additional information that may affect your response.

  • Advisory: An advisory may not require immediate action, but still provides important information about an incident or situation and may contain recommendations for public health officials, laboratory technicians, and clinicians.

  • Information Service: An information service may provide general or detailed information about an incident or situation that can act as guidelines for action or response.

  • Call-down Drill: A drill provides realistic-like information that is only sent regarding a drill or exercise A simulated incident used to train personnel and evaluate emergency plans..

  • Test: A test is a preview of a notification that is generally sent prior to the actual notification.

  • Cancel: A cancellation indicates that a previously sent notification with a call-to-action related to an incident or situation has been resolved or no further action is needed at present.