VICNetwork - A Virtual Immunization Communication Network

Background: In recent years parents and individuals have expressed greater concern about the safety of and need for vaccines.  This has led to a rise in the number of un-immunized and under-immunized children and adults.  These concerns are fueled by organized efforts to promote misinformation about vaccines and VPD’s.  Concurrently, the national economic downturn has led to reduced funding for educational activities and shrunk private resources for local immunization coalitions.  In this environment, public and private organizations can best use limited resources for education by learning techniques and strategies for employing social media and the latest communications technology.  Organizations can amplify their efforts by sharing information and resources within a nationwide network of immunization communicators.

Setting: The Virtual Immunization Communication Network: an online community of individuals committed to strengthening communication about immunizations.

Population: Primary audience: coalitions, health educators, public information officers. Secondary audience: healthcare providers, general public.

Project Description: VICNetwork provides technical assistance and training on effective communication about immunizations.  The Network emphasizes techniques and strategies of social media through learning labs, workshops, Webinars, and the “Virtual Immunization Simmposium” scheduled for May 2011 and a dedicated website hosting user-generated resources and blogs.

Results/Lessons Learned: Social media and new web technologies can be low cost and effective components of an organization’s communication/outreach plan. VICNetwork Webinars average over 600 participants/call and archived webinars are regularly viewed through the website. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogs further expand and engage audiences while speakers specializing in immunization and risk communication, discuss successful immunization messaging strategies. However, while immunization advocates and public health communicators continue to seek information about communicating effectively about immunizations they are often challenged to access and integrate the latest technology into existing communication processes. Through webinars, on-line resources, and technical assistance the VICNetwork works with organizations and individuals to overcome communication challenges and use new technology to effectively convey the importance of healthy immunization practices.