Virginia Health Alert Network (HAN)
RECEIVING AND CONFIRMING ALERTS
**Recipients of alerts can receive phone calls, e-mails and text messages on their alpha pagers. They
may also view the details of an alert via the HAN website on the Homepage under the Active Alerts
Section and by calling into the system with their Call-In Account Number. These steps will guide you
through receiving and confirming alerts via all options of receipt.
**Please note that users only need to confirm an alert via ONE method**
Option 1: To receive and confirm an alert via e-mail (two methods). When you receive an alert via
email, open and read the alert. There are then two options for confirmation of the alert via email,
although you only need to confirm by one method.
a. One option is to click the hyperlink that says, ‘Click to confirm receipt of this message.’
b. You will then be prompted for your HAN login information. Enter your user name and password
c. You will next be taken to an Alert Confirmation page notifying you that your ‘Alert is confirmed
as received.’
d. The alert is confirmed.
 Note: Click on the Response Manager Home Page hyperlink to access the HAN.
Option 2: To receive and confirm an alert via e-mail (option two). NOTE: As of October 2007, the
functionality of confirming alerts by replying to an e-mail alert message is not available. This
option will be available when the VDH migration to the statewide e-mail system occurs.
a. When you receive an alert via email, open and read the alert.
b. Option two for confirmation of an alert via email is to reply to the alert.
c. In your email interface, click reply.
d. In the subject field, after the message ID number, type the word ‘confirm.’
e. In your email interface, click send.
f. The alert is confirmed.
 Note: When confirming via this option, you will receive an email confirmation of your alert
confirmation.
Option 3: To receive and confirm an alert via telephone.
a. When you answer the call (you must say something for the alert to activate), you will be notified
that you have an important message from VDH and will be asked to press any key to continue.
b. You will then be prompted to enter your personal Alerting Security Code.
c. After the alert has been read, enter the number ‘1’ to confirm receipt of the alert or the number ‘2’
to replay the alert.
d. Hang up when the call is complete (the voice automated system will say ‘thank you, goodbye.’)
e. The alert is confirmed.
 Note: You must listen to the entire alert message and enter the number ‘1’ to confirm receipt of
the alert. If you hang up before confirming or do not listen to the entire message, your alert will
not be confirmed.
 Note: Once the alert goes to voicemail, it CANNOT be activated.
Option 4: To receive and confirm an alert via the HAN website
a. Log into the HAN (https://vdh.swan.virginia.gov)
b. On the Homepage in the Active Alerts section, you will see a listing of all active alerts. To view
the details of a specific alert, click on the Alert Time hyperlink for that particular alert.
c. You will be taken to the Alert Details screen. Review the alert details.
VA HAN Receiving and Confirming Alerts
October 2007
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d. You will see a red check with a hyperlink that says ‘Confirm receipt of alert.’
e. Click the ‘Confirm receipt of alert’ hyperlink. The hyperlink will then disappear and your
confirmation will be complete.
f. The alert is confirmed.
 Note: Users can always confirm receipt of all alerts via the portal.
Option 5: To receive and confirm an alert via alpha pager (blackberry)
a. In your email interface, click reply.
b. In the subject field, after the message ID number, type the word ‘confirm.’
c. In your email interface, click send.
d. The alert is confirmed.
 Note: It is important to note that in receiving an alert via an alpha pager, you are not able to view
the entire message of the alert and you are not able to access the HAN.
 Note: When confirming via this option, you will receive an email confirmation of your alert
confirmation.
**It is very important to confirm receipt of all alerts so the HAN team is able to ensure users are
receiving and responding to alerts. Any problems or questions may be directed to the HAN at
(804) 864-7200, option 2**
VA HAN Receiving and Confirming Alerts
October 2007
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