PJ Takes Charge: Helping the Teen Learn about Immunizations

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Background: In 1995, the Mid America Immunization Coalition (MAIC) produced and promoted the video, “Wally Takes Charge” and its accompanying school curriculum.  The video and materials had four objectives: an overview of the natural immune system, how vaccines prevent diseases, the importance of the immunization schedule, and interrupting the transmission of vaccine preventable diseases.  The objectives were met through an exciting story of a middle-school student, seen through the student’s eyes.  All materials were produced in English and Spanish and had nation-wide distribution.

Setting: Kansas City metropolitan area.

Population: Adolescents

Project Description: Currently there is no comprehensive single source for middle school immunization education that effectively provides information to meet the above objectives. So, the MAIC has created “PJ Gets Wise”, a 12 minute updated, digital version ready for distribution to school nurses, teachers, health care providers and health departments. This new ethnically diverse video focuses on vaccines for adolescents from the perspective of a pre-teen girl. To capture the attention of the 2010 audience, current teen language and technology have been incorporate.  The video and curriculum also emphasize the parent’s responsibility in assuring that their child is getting the shots he or she needs.  

Results/Lessons Learned: School curriculum materials have been developed by education experts and have been tested with a sixth grade audience.  The pre-teens found the materials to be fun and educational. Attendees of this presentation will be able to view the video, learn about its development and use the curriculum as “students” and “teachers”.