Getting Involved to “Spread the Word, Not the Flu”!
Agenda
Overview of the Program
Program Success (from parents, teachers and Weekly Reader)
How You Can Participate
Review of Program Materials
Next Steps
Question & Answer Sessions
Summary
What is Spread the Word – NOT the Flu!
A school-based educational program about the importance of influenza prevention through vaccination
Awarded the National Influenza Vaccine Summit Immunization Excellence Award
Program, developed by Novartis Vaccines and Weekly Reader Corporation Custom Publishing, is customizable for health departments
How Does the STWNTF Program Work?
Offers the opportunity to disseminate information about your vaccination clinics to families with school-aged children in your area
• Weekly Reader regularly provides teachers across the country with curriculum-based educational materials
Includes classroom lesson plans, wall posters and engaging student activities about the importance of influenza prevention
Extends to families via the take-home materials including the letter with vaccination clinic information as well as tools and tips about preventing influenza at home and in school
Parents and children attend
vaccination clinic Enroll for
STWNTF
STWNTF customized
to health department
Customized STWNTF program
distributed to local schools
Teachers conduct lesson
plan and provide materials to
parents
1
2
3
4
5
The Program Proved Successful…
Nearly 600 educators proactively thanked Weekly Reader for providing materials to easily engage their students in learning about a serious health condition.
This is more than double the
average response rate of
similar Weekly Reader programs
Students and teachers found value in theCDC award winning pilot program
“Great timing. This made it easy to talk to the students and get the message to the parents about not spreading germs.” (Suzy Post, Teachers Hands
Academy, FL)
“Wonderful program!! I used it in my classes and sent home info to parents.
Thank you!!”(Frank Hackbarth, Marysville, WA)
“Great program. Very exciting! Nice to have ready-made materials”
(Carol Chalk, Cedar Fork ES, NC)
According to Alicia Curtis of Barber Middle School,
GA, 1,000 students in her school are using the
STWNTF materials
“I want to tell people not to spread the flu and how not to get it.” (Aimee Duncan, Ormond Beach Elementary, Grade 4, FL)
“Not only is it imperative to get vaccinated for influenza, but also it is important to lead an overall healthy life.”(Hannah Barkey, Grade 8, Steamboat Springs Middle School (M.S.) CO)
Why This is Program is Important
New Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations now target all children from 6 months to 18 years of age
• Increase of 30 million children from last year
Last influenza season: 52 out of 72 children* who contracted influenza and died of influenza and its complications, were not vaccinated
Influenza causes children to miss approximately 38 million school days in the US annually
For every three school days that are missed by a child with influenza, a parent misses almost one workday, which may result in lost productivity
*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Media Briefing: Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness, April 17, 2008
How Can This Program Benefit You?
Supports the ACIP expanded recommendations by educating students and motivating their families
to get vaccinated against influenza
Drives students and their families to your influenza vaccination clinics and local healthcare providers
Increases influenza vaccination rates andSpreads the Word about the need for annual influenza vaccination
Showcases your commitment to influenza prevention within the community
Enrollment FormSubmission Deadline: Friday, July 18, 2008
Timeline and Next Steps
May Jun DecJul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Influenza Clinics
Materials Distributed to
SchoolsEnroll in Program
Development of Customized Materials
Spread The Word – Not The Flu! Sample Educational Packet
Materials Envelope
12 | Spread the Word – NOT the Flu! | May 2008 | Business Use Only
Teacher Guide for Lessons
13 | Spread the Word – NOT the Flu! | May 2008 | Business Use Only
Lesson Plan Continued
14 | Spread the Word – NOT the Flu! | May 2008 | Business Use Only
Poster for Classroom, Nurses Office, Hallways, etc.
Bilingual Parent Take Home Letter
16 | Spread the Word – NOT the Flu! | May 2008 | Business Use Only
Activity One: Grades 3-5
Activity Two: Grades 3-5
Activity Three: Grades 3-5
Activity One: Grades 6-8
Activity Two: Grades 6-8
Activity Three: Grades 6-8
Weekly Reader Program Evaluation Form
Question & Answer Session
In Summary…Take Action Now to be part of an innovative school age program
Send your enrollment form before the deadline (July 18th) to be eligible for participation in this program
Novartis Vaccines will contact you at a later date for your influenza vaccination clinic information
Children will become the influenza ambassadors within their households and drive immunization awareness, as well as encourage their family to take action by getting vaccinated at your health clinics or their healthcare provider
Novartis Vaccines will have additional in-season Fluvirin supply if incremental doses are needed