New series of 30-second PSAs on getting vaccinated against H1N1 flu

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in conjunction with the Ad Council and the Jim Henson Company, has released a new series of 30-second public service announcements (PSAs) about the importance of getting the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. Targeted to parents and children, the PSA campaign features 15 governors, a state first lady, a state chief medical officer and the main character from the PBS’ series “Sid the Science Kid” and reminds the public that getting vaccinated is the best way to stay healthy during this flu season.

“While disease has declined in many areas of the country, the flu is unpredictable and there could be additional waves of illness. Getting vaccinated is the best way to lessen the impact of, or even prevent, another wave of H1N1 flu.”

“Children are especially vulnerable to the H1N1 flu,” said Secretary Sebelius. “Not only are they at higher risk for complications from H1N1, they can also easily spread the virus because of school, day care, and other group activities. That’s why we are pleased to team up with governors and Sid the Science Kid as we reach out to children and their parents about the importance of getting vaccinated.”

“Right now, Americans have a window of opportunity to protect themselves and their communities by getting vaccinated against the 2009 H1N1 flu,” Secretary Sebelius said. “While disease has declined in many areas of the country, the flu is unpredictable and there could be additional waves of illness. Getting vaccinated is the best way to lessen the impact of, or even prevent, another wave of H1N1 flu.”

Children, young adults under 25, pregnant women and adults 25-64 with underlying health conditions such as asthma, are more susceptible to falling ill to the 2009 H1N1 flu and are at higher risk for serious medical complications, including hospitalization and death. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that individuals in these groups, as well as caretakers of children younger than 6 months of age, and health care workers, get the H1N1 vaccine as soon as possible.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 47 million people were infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu between mid-April and Nov. 14, 2009. More than 200,000 H1N1-related hospitalizations and more than 9,800 H1N1-related deaths occurred during that period. CDC estimates there were over 71,000 H1N1-related pediatric hospitalizations, over 1,000 pediatric deaths, and a total of 16 million pediatric H1N1 cases during that time.

Earlier this fall, a special episode of “Sid the Science Kid” -- “Getting a Shot: You Can Do It” -- premiered on PBS KIDS. In that episode Sid and his friends get vaccinated against the flu. The special episode will continue running on PBS KIDS through 2010 and is available for download on www.Flu.gov.

This new PSA series builds on the Department’s initial PSA campaign that was launched earlier this year and includes messages from members of Congress, Sesame Street’s Elmo, and top health officials, as well as an Ad Council campaign for TV and radio called “Together We Can All Fight the Flu.” All of these PSAs are available at www.Flu.gov.

The new 30-second television PSAs are being distributed locally through the Ad Council. The PSAs are accessible at www.adcouncil.tv or by visiting www.Flu.gov.

Source The Advertising Council