Text Messaging, Social Media Tapped for H1N1 Flu Prevention in Calif.
California health officials are turning to mobile phones and social media applications in an effort to educate young people about H1N1 influenza, also known as swine flu, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Experts say young people are more vulnerable to the H1N1 virus compared with seasonal influenza.
Therefore, the state Department of Public Health is reaching out to the younger generation by disseminating H1N1 messages via cell phones, Facebook, Twitter and other applications.
Californians interested in obtaining an H1N1 vaccination can text "No Flu" and their ZIP code to 30644. The public health department then returns a message with information about the closest H1N1 vaccination site.
Officials say the campaign aims to help busy Californians of all ages obtain guidance on H1N1 prevention (Calvan, Sacramento Bee, 1/12). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.