Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health, Indiana

During the 2012-2013 flu season, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health launched an ongoing vaccination awareness campaign. The goal is to increase local seasonal flu vaccination rates by raising awareness of the options and availability of flu vaccine to both providers and patients. Nurses from the Department of Health strike teams were sent out to high-risk places such as group homes to promote, administer and assure access to local flu vaccine. The Department of Health held or assisted with seasonal flu immunization clinics in which approximately 6,450 vaccinations have been given (as of Dec. 1, 2012).

In preparation for this effort, the Department of Health provided nurse-led trainings to physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and other providers from two major hospital systems and a local residency program. Thirty-seven providers attended educational sessions on the different types of flu vaccine and how to administer them. In addition to training, the providers were given tools to increase knowledge about flu vaccination within their clinics, including specially designed window clings, posters and sticky notes with the message “Get Your Flu Vaccine Today.” Other resources included a dedicated web site, www.FighttheFlu.org, highlighting local, state and national resources for flu prevention. To increase awareness on the importance of flu vaccination, the Department of Health ran 30-second PSA spots on eight different radio stations. A total of 1,242 spots aired over a period of five weeks. Regular Facebook posts and a news release urging residents to get vaccinated supported the campaign. The materials used in this campaign were developed with the support of a grant from the Indiana State Department of Health.

For more information, visit www.allencountyhealth.com or contact John Silcox, Director of Communications, Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health at 260-449-7395.