Challenge:
Idaho's child immunization rates were at the bottom 10% nationwide. A lack of awareness coupled with forgetfulness were the principle reasons why this critical child health issue was going overlooked. Governor Dirk Kempthorne implemented a statewide, interconnected registry and reminder system called the Immunization Reminder Information Service (IRIS).

Solution:
Vanguard Media Group developed visuals and messaging for IRIS. To launch the program we developed and managed a three-day, seven-city kickoff tour for the Governor and First Lady of Idaho. We simultaneously released television and radio campaigns with the goal of urging parents to make five necessary immunization visits for their children by the age of two.

The Hands Across Idaho theme illustrated the point that the entire community needed to help get Idaho’s children immunized. The IRIS campaign captured media and stakeholders attention alike, inspiring children, parents, legislators, healthcare providers and immunization advocay groups to attend the statewide events. Nearly a dozen television stations, 10 newspapers and several radio stations covered the event, generating 28 news stories over the three-day period.

Today, 96% of children born in Idaho are registered with the IRIS program.