1. Communication Strategies & Partnerships During California’s Pertussis Epidemic
National Immunization Conference
March 29, 2011
Catherine Flores-Martin, Director

2. Statewide Coalition - 501 (c) (3) non profit
Achieve full immunization protection to protect health and prevent serious illness
Advocacy and Education

3. 7th Grade Vaccination Mandate
Pertussis Epidemic 2010
Communication & Collaboration

4. It took an epidemic...

5. Communication Goals Educate opinion leaders and legislative staff
Provide information and resources to providers
Support media/ marketing efforts of the Immunization Branch
Direct media and public to credible, consistent resources

6. Vaccines Good: Diseases Bad

7. 9,477 confirmed, probable and suspect cases of pertussis reported between January 1 through December 31, 2010

8. Media & Public Outreach
Partnership with CDPH Immunization Branch
CDPH Office of Public Affairs
Social Media Networks
Local HD and Coalitions

9. CA Department of Public Health

11. You can’t always get what you want

12. “Super Mandate”. 7th through 12th Graders in 2011
“Super Mandate” th through 12th Graders in th grade entry only starting in 2012

13. Key Challenges Complex IZ waiver issues •
Low number of students that have Tdap booster (possibly below 25% in some areas)
Providers not fully aware of recommendations – may be giving Td instead
How to reach all providers - not just Chief of Staff, Clinic Administrator
Many districts (> 1/2) have no school nurses (additional cuts looming)
How to review and interpret IZ records (school staff training)
Complex waiver issues
Complex IZ waiver issues •

14. Communication Plan Coordinated and consistent message:
Contact your doctor or healthcare provider to see if your child is up to date
Statewide media events - before school year ends
Collaboration with CA Department of Education
PSA’s - Web Banners - FAQ’s - Electronic and traditional billboards
Immunizing adolescents at every opportunity
Working with professional associations
Letters to providers •

16. Web Banners

19. Save The Date! May 25, 2011
9:00 am PT/ 12:00 ET