PSA Contest Highlights Flu Messaging

This fall, Governor Schwarzenegger challenged Californians to enter the CDPH’s first-ever Film Fest, "Lights, Camera … Save Lives!," a competition to create a short video PSA highlighting the steps to avoid H1N1 and seasonal flu. The contest is a collaboration between the CDPH Immunization Branch, CDPH Office of Public Affairs (OPA), and California Immunization Coalition (CIC). The winning entry will be used in a statewide social marketing campaign to educate the public and the media about the four H1N1 flu prevention practices:  wash your hands, cover your cough, stay home when you are sick, and get vaccinated.

The Governor helped launch the contest at a visit to John Burroughs High School in Burbank, where he called on “tech-savvy teenagers, budding actors, aspiring directors–or anyone interested in healthy living” to join the fight against H1N1 influenza.  The deadline for contest submissions deadline was October 16.

Over 100 California residents submitted video entries. The PSA entries included amateur and professional productions, showcasing creative and innovative approaches to flu prevention. The public had the opportunity to vote for the top three videos in early November; the Governor will select the first-place winner. All entries may be viewed at www.cdphfilmfest.org. The winning contestant will receive a $500 gift card, provided by the California Immunization Coalition (CIC).  The top entries may be aired on television or featured on partner web sites. The winner will be announced this month through various media outlets and via Twitter.   

Preteen Vaccine Week 2010

The next Preteen Vaccine Week (PVW) is just around the corner, January 17-23, 2010. The updated Preteen Vaccine Week Kit 2010 is now available and features an array of materials including talking points in Spanish and English, educational activities, templates, and more. Local health departments and community partners are encouraged to download campaign materials from the Preteen Vaccine Week web page. As part of an expanded national outreach effort this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also recently released outreach materials for Native American, Korean, and Vietnamese communities. These will be linked to the Immunization Branch’s PVW page.

Those interested in planning for PVW events are invited to join the next PWV planning call on December 9. For additional information, contact Rebeca.Boyte@cdph.ca.gov.