CDC’s #VaxWithMe Selfie Social Media Campaign: The Viral Spread of Flu (Messages)

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CDC’s #VaxWithMe Social Media Campaign has been updated

In an effort to promote all vaccinations as an important prevention method for protecting against serious, and even deadly diseases, CDC has updated its #VaxWithMe social media campaign to encourage individuals to be aware and up-to-date on recommended vaccines for themselves and their family for every stage of life.

The new #VaxWithMe campaign seeks to drive visibility of vaccination across a person’s lifespan, spark engagement around the importance of vaccination for all ages, and generate a movement that encourages individuals to be aware of recommended vaccinations for all ages, lifestyles, jobs, travels, and health conditions.

CDC encourages individuals to join the campaign  by sharing messages, post, tweets, photos, and videos with the hashtag #VaxWithMe on social media to promote their support and participation in getting recommended vaccinations.

Learn more about the new #VaxWithMe campaign here!

Historical Success of the 2014-2016 #VaxWithMe Selfie Social Media Campaign: The Viral Spread of Flu (Message)

The #VaxWithMe selfie social media campaign was created in 2014 to drive visibility of flu vaccination, spark engagement around the importance of vaccination, and ultimately, generate a movement that encouraged more people to get their flu vaccination every year. Between September 2014 and April 2015, 552 participants used the #vaxwithme hashtag 827 times, generating 18.4 million impressions.1 The campaign was awarded Honorable Mention by the 2015 Hermes Creative Awards in the Digital Marketing Campaign category.2

The #VaxWithMe flu vaccination Selfie campaign encouraged individuals to share photos and videos of themselves (tagged #VaxWithMe) during or after getting their flu vaccination. The operative word for the #VaxWithMe campaign was “With,” suggesting that it’s about joining forces to fight the flu by getting vaccinated themselves and encouraging others to do the same; not just telling someone to get vaccinated.

CDC put messaging in the hands of partners that support flu vaccination on the national stage and in local communities. Among the participants were 22 campaign partners, including the National Football League (NFL), who delivered creative assets from two Denver Broncos players, and the NFL Retired Players Association, who provided support via five Hall of Fame players’ photos and videos. Some partners, such as March of Dimes, Nurses Who Vaccinate, The Kid’s Doctor, and Voices for Vaccines, joined the campaign by posting photos of their own staff members during or after getting their flu vaccination. Other partners, including (but not limited to) American Diabetes Association, Healtheo360, LeadingAge, Long-Term Living, and Men’s Health Network promoted the campaign by sharing important flu prevention messages tagged #VaxWithMe on their social media platforms.

You can see CDC’s archived interactive timeline of flu vaccine #VaxWithMeposts from partners throughout the campaign, by visiting Past Seasons: CDC’s #VaxWithMe Social Media Campaign.

1 According to Radian6 data capturing #VaxWithMe mentions online from September 18, 2014 – April 17, 2015.

2 The Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative concepts, writing and designs organized by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. There were approximately 6,000 entries from throughout the United States and 22 other countries in the Hermes Creative Awards 2015 competition. About 15 percent of the entries received platinum, 22 percent received gold, and 11 percent received honorable mention.

MODULE vaxwithme photos

NFL Denver Broncos tweet, Don't let the flu sideline you. This NIVW 2014 join Julius Thomas and get your flu vaccine.

NFL Retired Players association tweet, Defend against flu with NFLRPA member and Steelers defensive coordinator and get a flu vaccine.

March of Dimes tweet, photo of woman showing arm just vaccinated. Did you get a flu shot yet? #vaxwithme #marchofdimes national office.

Submit Your Success Story!

Submit the following information to fluinbox@cdc.gov to have your success story featured here!

  • Write a 250 word (maximum) description of your success story including name of organization, any collaborating organizations, when the event took place (either last flu season or this flu season only), and any evaluation taken from the activity.
  • Include a minimum of (1-2) pictures of the event. Acceptable file formats include JPG, GIF, and PNG. Preferred size at least 500 by 300 pixels (or larger).
  • Include contact information in case CDC follow up is needed. Please let us know if we can share your contact information within your success story in case other organizations would like to partner with you for future events.