Developing a Website to Effectively Communicate Immunization Information

Presented by Pamela Johnson Program Linkage Coordinator Washington State Immunization Program

Learning Objectives  Understand the process of developing, implementing and improving a website to increase immunization awareness and promote positive immunization messages  Understand the importance of targeting specific audience needs when developing website information

Background Timeline  1999 – Formed web group  – Research, develop and test  2000 – Launched website  2001 – New meta tags requirements for better searches  2002 – New agency template guidelines  2003 – Two new pages added  2004 – Revision of photos

Workgroup  Nurse Consultant  Health Educator  Publication/Web Specialist  Adult Immunization Coordinator  Budget Coordinator  Local Programs Coordinator  Hepatitis Coordinator  VFC Coordinator

Workgroup Goals & Objectives  Create and maintain a readily accessible, user friendly, ADA compliant website  Increase immunization coverage levels within Washington  Increase public and provider awareness of immunization topics and resources

Process  Brainstorming  Developed Goals/Objectives  Gathered potential content  Tested  Made changes

Method  Reviewed existing websites  Staged initial implementation and ongoing development

Method - Continued  Collaborated with internal and external partners/stakeholders  Identified initial and enhanced website topics and features  Developed links to select internal & external stakeholder websites

Working in a Reality Environment  Evolving agency guidelines  Conflicting program priorities  Lack of experience  Lack of role models

Web Site Development  Approvals  Template  Screen shots  Buttons  Pictures  Formatting

Testing  Tested by Program Staff Various User Groups Local Health Jurisdictions Providers

Results  Providers, LHJ’s, schools, child care providers and the Public responded positively to site  Website visits have more than tripled in number over the last three years

Website Use Over Time Stats From reports

Results - Continued  Reduce requests for forms Decreased mailing & printing costs Decreased staff time  Website links facilitate easy connections

Results - Continued

Ongoing  Monitoring  Maintenance Monthly Link Checks Changes/Updates  Add new links as they become available

Future  Maximize Value of Website Interactive site development Recognition of program and staff accomplishments Create ‘A-Z’ for publications

Contact Information  Web Page  Steve J. Bichler Information Systems Coordinator Department of Health Immunization Program P.O. Box Olympia, WA 98504–7843 Phone: (360) Fax: (360)  Jan Hicks-Thomson, MSW, MPA, A&W Vaccine and Special Programs Section Manager Department of Health Immunization Program PO Box Olympia, WA Phone: (360) Fax: (360) fax -