The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) used National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) to promote continued uptake of H1N1 vaccination. NIVW was observed during January 10-16, 2010, and ODH conducted a variety of activities to make vaccine accessible to diverse segments of the population. ODH health director began the week by issuing a letter to Ohio's local health departments. The letter urged health departments to reach out to their providers and remind them to continue strongly recommending vaccine to their patients. ODH also sent messages to stakeholder groups, such as community- and faith-based organizations, to encourage H1N1 vaccination among their clientele.
Much of ODH's outreach during NIVW centered on encouraging vaccination to prevent a third wave of novel H1N1 in Ohio communities. ODH developed and distributed a news release about NIVW activities and reasons for people to get vaccinated to prevent a third wave. To follow up on the news releases, the health director was available for radio interviews to emphasize the importance and safety of H1N1 vaccination. The statewide "Flu Fighter" campaign also increased its reach, as health planners developed PSAs showing people proudly displaying the Band-Aid on their arm and distributed them to broadcast stations across the state.
Social media provided an avenue for health planners to encourage H1N1 vaccination, while also using photos and real-time information to inform community members about area clinics. For instance, Columbus Public Health held a vaccination clinic specifically for state employees, at which the state health director and state cabinet members, along with approximately 900 other employees, received vaccine. Pictures from this event were posted in the city public health agency's Facebook album. ODH also continually updated their H1N1-relevant Twitter account with information about events happening during NIVW.
ODH used a variety of media and person-to-person outreach to ensure that NIVW was dedicated to providing as much vaccine as possible to people who wanted it. Ohio also was able to capitalize on its leadership and relationships during NIVW to enhance the spread of information and increase access to abundant vaccine.
