BACKGROUND:
Influenza and pneumonia are the sixth leading cause of death in West Virginia. The West Virginia Immunization Network (WIN), in collaboration with the West Virginia Medical Institute (WVMI), developed two innovative strategies to promote adult immunization awareness. First is an immunization campaign with the West Virginia "Silver Haired Legislature." The second is a project called "Flu Link" that delivers specific flu shot location information in selected WV counties through a Web site and toll-free telephone number.

OBJECTIVE:
During this presentation, participants will learn how to set up a campaign and receive training in the techniques needed to create, lead and promote a successful Silver-Haired Legislature program. Information will be provided on other states that have an active Silver Haired Legislature. Participants will also learn how to adapt "Flu Link" to their communities, and some of the positive and negative lessons learned throughout the campaign.

METHOD:
The Silver Haired Legislature project has grown in impact throughout its 7-year run. Flu Link was developed as a pilot project this year, and will be implemented in subsequent flu seasons based on the success of the project.

RESULT:
The Silver Haired Legislature has been a very successful ongoing project of the West Virginia Immunization Network. Media coverage has increased every year, as well as the addition of pneumonia vaccines to the event. Flu Link encountered specific challenges due to vaccine shortages, but still proved successful in meeting its goals. The project model endured the shortage, and even proved to be helpful in isolated situations.

CONCLUSION:
These projects are simple and inexpensive, and adaptable to communities outside West Virginia. Both serve two distinct purposes, while adhereing to WIN's goal of improving immunization rates across the lifespan.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
For participants to adapt methods of outreach similar to, and including the Silver Haired Legislature and Flu Link.