KEYWORDS:
Immunization Awareness
Increase Rates
Public Education
Outreach Spanish
Advertisement
Bilingual, interactive PSA
Teamwork: Immunizations/Schools/Private Sector/Radio

BACKGROUND:
Recognized a strong need to increase public awareness of the availability and affordability of immunizing through the National Immunization (NIP) and Vaccine for Children Programs (VFC) to achieve an increase in coverage levels in English- and Spanish-Speaking Populations, while also informing those with children born after 1989 of the existence of the Hepatitis B (HepB) Vaccine.

OBJECTIVE:
Increase immunization levels of children birth through age twelve.
Increase Hepatitis B immunization to children age 12 through 18.
Increase immunization levels among the Spanish-Speaking Population

METHOD:
Use of radio PSA’s and coloring sheets distributed to local restaurants who cater to children. The bilingual, interactive PSA- coloring- sheets and crayons are marketed to reach children of both the English and Spanish populations. Radio agreed to allow the restaurant’s name to be mentioned to attract more attention and assist in marketing to this specific population.
In spite of the HepB birth-dose and sixth grade school entry requirement, many turn nineteen unprotected. Those who no longer qualify for the VFC Program often consider the vaccine to be too costly. In a joint effort with the school system, the Kentucky Immunizations Program arranged to mail an informative HepB/VFC letter to the older students in each of its 120 counties. Many parents of this older age group are unaware of the importance of the HepB vaccine. This letter will assist in increasing coverage of this population who would otherwise be unprotected.

RESULT:
Positive association between children, parents, and vaccines.

CONCLUSION:
Immunization levels can be increased through creative use of marketing strategies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Educate the public regarding the benefits/protection of vaccine.
Increase public awareness of the NIP/VFC through cooperation with media, public education, and private sector.