Texas Immunization Campaigns Making a Difference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2004
Contact:
Laura Sierra-Frame
Interlex
210-930-3339
210-930-3383 fax
Austin, Texas-Only one year after their initial roll-out, the 2003 National Immunization Survey (NIS), has shown that the Immunizations campaigns developed by Interlex for the Texas Department of State Health Services, contributed to an initial 9.5% increase (6.8 percentage points) over the previous year’s 71.3% immunization rate.
Culturally attuned and nuanced messaging has been the basis for this initial success. Texas Commissioner of Health, Dr. Eduardo J. Sanchez agrees and notes, “Public education and awareness about the importance of immunizations are critical in Texas. Interlex is to be commended for development of a new statewide immunization campaign that in particular looks at the distinct cultures of each target audience.”
The campaign’s unique approach takes into account specific triggers and motivators within each target demographic allowing the message to resonate and take root on a personal level. President & CEO of Interlex, Rudy Ruiz adds, “As parents we want what is best for our kids. With so much information out there, it is important to have a message that clarifies the importance of vaccines to protecting children’s health, debunks myths and fears, and touches parents on both an emotional and intellectual level, provoking positive actions out of both love and knowledge.”
According to the DSHS, children should be vaccinated at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 15 and 18 months of age. For a recommended schedule of vaccinations and further information, interested parties may speak with their family doctors, call DSHS at 1-800-252-9152, or visit www.immunizetexas.com.
Interlex is a full service advertising, marketing and public relations firm specializing in public advocacy and social marketing campaigns that target both general and multicultural markets. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the agency serves government agencies, non-profit organizations and socially conscientious corporations in developing communications that generate a positive impact on the lives of diverse audiences.