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Gen Y (70 Million) Targeted By CDC With H1N1 Flu Text Program
Sep 30, 2009 (Basil & Spice - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
The H1N1 Pandemic Flu is considered a "watershed event" by Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, who also stated that several key countries, including the "USA have shown admirable leadership and solidarity."
September 2009: The CDC has launched a three-month text messaging campaign (pilot program), sharing important information to users of mobile devices. It will include health information on the flu pandemic. Visit m.cdc.gov on your mobile phone or PDA for information on seasonal flu, H1N1 flu, public health emergencies, and more. With no cost for subscribers, this program will send out three health tips each week. To begin the program, send the word 'HEALTH' in the body of the message to 87000. Want to opt out? You can do so at any time by replying with the words 'HEALTH QUIT' in the body of the message.
In 2007, the majority of cell phone users was Generation Y, (18-24 year olds). It is estimated that between 2007 and 2010, a transitioning has been taking place in cell phone usage, which includes increased usage for checking email, internet searches, and appointment scheduling.
Text messaging is on the rise, (138 million of us use it regularly) with approximately 200 million sent daily. If all American adults signed up for the free service, the CDC would reach four out of five of us (85 percent). 790 texts are sent monthly by those in Generation Y.
Recently, Silverlink Communications released a news release regarding the source of H1N1 flu news for most Americans, 58 percent of which believe it to be a serious illness. It states that fewer than 27 percent of those 18-24 years old are planning to receive the H1N1 vaccine.
"The survey also reveals that the primary information source for H1N1 for Americans will be the general press, newspapers and TV, with 32 percent of Americans planning to source flu information from these sources."
The CDC is certainly on the right track with reaching Americans, many of whom have dropped their landlines, but keeping their mobile devices. Of special significance is Generation Y; the most viable way to reach them personally? Through a text.
Online, the CDC has its own Social Media page, complete with buttons, badges, eCards, twitter micro-blogs and online videos at the CDC YouTube Channel.
The CDC has Twitter feeds for Emergency Information, Interactive Media News, Flu Updates, and flu.gov. The largest Twitter user group is that of working adults, ages 35-49 (Nielsen).
Nielsen is the world's leading marketing and media information company. The privately held company is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in New York, USA.
Silverlink Communications provides services and technology that enable healthcare companies to affordably and effectively interact with patients and members in their homes.
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Kelly Jad'on is the founder of www.BasilAndSpice.com, a content provider to online news organizations.
To see more of Basil & Spice or to subscribe to this content provider, go to
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