Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of this presentation participants will be able to:
1. Realize the application of the multi-phased media campaign to their own immunization projects.


Background:
The Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition (PAIC), Projects Committee, is interested in establishing the coalition as the statewide leader for all coalitions in the Commonwealth. A recent study published in March 2005 edition of JAMA examined the timeliness of receipt of vaccines for a sample of US children and supports the Projects Committee's vision. Being consistently vaccinated in a timely manner decreases a child's risk for getting vaccine preventable diseases and prevents disease outbreaks.


Setting:
Various private and public health settings.


Population:
All age groups statewide in Pennsylvania.


Project Description:
The Projects Committee planned and developed a multi-phased campaign that will promote immunizations to Pennsylvanians throughout the lifespan. This campaign is intended to provide immunization education and outreach to the community and providers in a variety of communication mediums that reach minority and disparity groups. Three mediums of communication have been chosen that include print, radio and promotional products (i.e. diaper bag tag).


Results/Lessons Learned:
Pennsylvania has a high immunization coverage level and in an effort to maintain our current rate and improve, we learned that any large-scale statewide initiative must be accomplished through a partnership. This campaign represents the successful collaboration between vaccine manufacturers, nurses, physicians, provider associations and the Department of Health.