Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to state the benefits of
partnering to increase flu shots
promoting flu shots via targeted print and broadcast media



Background:
The flu vaccine shortage in 2004-05 forced many seniors to decline a flu shot. Immunization partners wished to increase the uptake of flu shots for flu season 2005-06. The question was, “Would seniors seek a flu shot after stepping aside the previous year?”. Diverse immunization partners were invited to participate even if there was a history of non-participation.


Setting:
The Seniors' Fair, a 3-day event on Oahu, has more than 15,000 attendees. Flu and pneumonia shots are offered when vaccine is available.


Population:
Most fair attendees have Medicare Part B insurance that provides flu and pneumonia shots at no charge to beneficiaries.



Project Description:
Immunization partners, including public and private-sector agencies – health insurance companies (both fee-for-service and HMO), QIO, CMS, state department of health immunization and diabetes programs, other health care organizations, designed a logo and utilized print media -- direct mail postcards to announce flu shots, bag stuffers to Big Box retailers, posters, bus cards – and broadcast media – radio (both main stream and ethnic) and television, to promote flu shots at this event. Incentive items were added to reward and urge flu shots.


Results/Lessons Learned:
Over the 3-day fair, more than 5,160 flu and pneumonia shots were given to principally Medicare Part B beneficiaries and the chronically ill. Postcards were wildly successful for the HMO, who needed additional staff and vaccine; they plan to do it again in 2006. The fee-for-service health care provider was extremely successful, and already plans to expand capacity for providing shots in 2006. Goal for 2006 is a total of at least 10,000 over the three-day fair.