"BEAT It!": a Flu Shot Contest to Promote Staff Influenza Immunization

Background:
WIC staff, like health-care workers (HCW), are in frequent contact with clients who are vulnerable to severe influenza; California WIC staff have monthly contact with nearly 1.2 million young children and pregnant women. Influenza immunization rates in both groups are low (HCW, 42%; California WIC staff, <40%), leaving themselves and their clients vulnerable.

Setting:
Local and county

Population:
Health-care workers and WIC staff

Project Description:
Based on a previous initiative in San Diego County, CDPH Immunization Branch developed the "BEAT IT!" Flu Shot Contest campaign to improve low immunization rates among WIC staff and HCW. Using the campaign Implementation Guide and supporting materials, three diverse counties piloted the campaign during the 2007 influenza season. Local worksite teams competed for awards based on speed, creativity, and receipt of immunization.

Results/Lessons Learned:
48% of staff surveyed prior to the campaign, and 64% surveyed after the campaign, believed that influenza vaccine was effective. 42% of staff planned to be immunized against seasonal influenza prior to the campaign; afterward, 60% of those responding to the survey reported receiving an immunization.
A total of 38 worksites submitted contest entry forms; fifteen of those sites achieved a staff immunization rate ≥80%. The three participating counties responded favorably to the project and indicated that they would participate again.
For phase 2 we plan to improve the project by modifying the following:
Coding surveys for better matching/evaluation
Identifying location of immunization
Capturing number of staff sick-days
Simplifying campaign Guide/materials
Updating campaign branding
Simplifying prize structure
Validating receipt of immunization