The United States of America might have been the worst hit during the Swine Flu pandemic, but now they have a solution to fight it hereafter. The threat of influenza is now being fought using the social networking medium to create more awareness about the vaccine. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has initiated the campaign using a new Facebook application known as “I’m a Flu Fighter!” Basically this application will allow people to get an H1N1 vaccination and let others know that they are Flu Fighters now! An instinctive motive will urge others to follow their foot steps.
Furthermore, the app will encourage a person’s friends on Facebook to also get protected from the seasonal flu. And, rightly so as social networks have the ability to steer audiences for a new cause. Ben Reis, PhD, of the Children’s Hospital Informatics Program said, “By leveraging existing social connections, people can spread positive health behaviors and attitudes amongst their friends and loved ones.”
Hence, Children’s Hospital, Boston in association with the HHS have done complete justice to the opportunity provided by people’s networks via social media. By spreading the word now, a vaccinated future can be expected across the world which will at least prevent anymore lethal pandemics. They also pass on important information along with a flu vaccine locator through the app in collaboration with Flu.gov that shall urge others to take necessary steps related to their health.
This is not the first time WATBlog has kept you informed about latest happening from the H1N1 front. Few days back, In.com, the portal from Network18 had launched a Swine Flu guide to serve as a reliable destination and keep the fatal disease away. From a business perspective, In.com did the right thing by introducing an authoritative portal with swine flu do’s and don’t's. This also helped pharma companies to reach their target audience and recommending the right vaccine through such platforms. How long before India plans a similar initiative, is uncertain. Sooner the better, as there is very little knowings of the available medicines in the country.
