"Don't Let the Flu Trick You" Campaign

Background:
New recommendations for flu vaccine were published by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) impacting the 2008-2009 Influenza season. Vaccination of all children aged 6 months through 18 years of age should begin before or during the 2008–09 influenza season if feasible, but no later than during the 2009–10 influenza season.

Setting:
The Marion County Health Department is a large local health department located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The health department facilitates daily nurse-based immunization clinics throughout the county.

Population:
Young children <5 years of age were targeted for the initial campaign.

Project Description:
Targeted mailings were sent to the parent(s) of the selected children that encouraged them to bring their child in for flu vaccine. The mailings went out the week prior to Halloween and each postcard featured a child in a costume with the phrase “Don't let the flu trick you” printed at the top. The back of each postcard gave parents some quick facts on young children and influenza and also listed contact information and our flu clinic hotline.
In addition, two special flu clinics took place targeting children at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, including one on Halloween and one on a monthly “free” night where no admission is charged.

Results/Lessons Learned:
Results of the effects of the targeted mailings are yet to be complete as flu vaccine is still being given. It is hoped that targeted mailings to an established group of clients will influence parents to bring their children in for annual influenza vaccine. Those results will be available by the end of 2008. Both flu clinics at the museum were well attended. Perhaps late October presents itself as a good time of year to remind parents of the importance of protecting children from influenza.