Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of this presentation participants will be able to list steps to adapt a California respiratory disase prevention campaign, complimentary to annual flu shot promotion.


Background:
In 2004 in the wake of a serious flu vaccine shortage, flu prevention messages shifted from "get a flu shot" to stay healthy via tried and true public health respiratory disease prevention methods. A 30-second holiday-themed singing jingle was recorded as a PSA and sent out in December as a rush to radio stations to get the word out to "wash your hands." Word of the jingle spread and by the end of January 2005, over 2,000 individuals had downloaded an MP3 of the jingle form the Immunization Branch website. It was decided to expand the campaign's outreach for the 2005-06 flu season.


Setting:
This campaign covers a range of settings including radio airtime, schools, health care and community venues.


Population:
The jingle (to the tune of "Jingle Bells") provides an amusing reminder to all ages and is well-suited for pre-school and elementary school children.


Project Description:
This campaign is an effort to remind everyone to prevent spreading flu germs. It requires a broad partnership with local health departments, immunization coalitions, school nurses, schools, health plans and pharmacies. Activities included sign distribution, a classroom lesson plan for teachers, a media event, PSA distribution, sharing the MP3 link with partners, and promoting creative uses of the jingle in health care and public settings.


Results/Lessons Learned:
Many different constituencies took a great interest in this campaign. It is an appealing, universal, and perennial prevention message. For 2007, we will record a Spanish-language PSA and a longer English version to stimulate use at retail outlets and malls.