In the United States, FHI 360 has supported the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases on communications for seasonal influenza campaigns, responses to outbreaks and respiratory diseases, and immunizations across the lifespan. FHI 360 conducts audience research and tests approaches, materials and messages that promote childhood, adolescent and adult immunizations, including seasonal influenza immunization and vaccines in development, such as for COVID-19.
FHI 360’s work includes conducting public opinion polls, panel surveys, in-depth and cognitive interviews, small group/triad discussions and focus group discussions for audiences such as health care professionals, older adults, expectant mothers, young adults and parents. Findings from our work inform the development of messages and materials that support CDC’s efforts to prevent disease outbreak.
FHI 360 led the CDC’s national influenza vaccine campaign for six years, including the high-profile 2009 H1N1 influenza campaign. The initiative annually employed a fully integrated suite of advertising, marketing, public relations and grassroots strategies to reduce disparities in vaccination and to motivate individuals, especially those at high risk, to get vaccinated. We also implemented media campaigns to promote vaccination of young children and adolescents by targeting health care providers and parents.
Working across three continents, our PREVENT project worked closely with the World Health Organization and other United Nations agencies to provide communication support to developing countries affected by the H1N1 pandemic. The project also provided guidance on how to implement an H1N1 vaccination effort among people who face the highest risk of infection.
