The Blog

Mary Selecky, Secretary, Department of Health

02/02/11

This is a busy, hectic time of year — catching up after the New Year and getting back into the routine. It can be hard to focus. And for public health it can be hard to get people’s attention, even when we have something important to say. That’s why the ad campaign we recently launched takes such an unusual twist for a state government message. We decided to grab people’s attention with a fun, catchy jingle and a play on words, and use that as an opportunity to remind them of how important it is to get a flu shot and practice healthy habits.

The campaign describes Washington as “WashYourHandsington” — where everyone washes their hands, covers their cough, and gets the flu vaccine. We’ve got radio ads, a YouTube video, and more — all on the Department of Health WashYourHandsingTon website. Once you hear the jingle, you may find yourself singing right along. We hope it sticks with you and reminds you to do a few easy things to stay healthy. It’s been a big hit with our partners and colleagues. And judging by how many times our video has been seen on the state YouTube site, its popularity is pretty broad. In the first week it was played nearly 14,000 times. Since then it’s been viewed more than 30,000 times.

During this time of year, a flu shot is something that should be pretty high on your to-do list. Flu is serious and it spreads easily in close quarters. It usually picks up in our state after the first of the year and can circulate right through to springtime, so get a flu shot soon and remember to wash your hands, and cover your coughs and sneezes.

To find vaccine in your community, contact your health care provider, local health agency, or use the American Lung Association’s Flu Vaccine Finder.

Get your flu shot and together we’ll help make Washington a healthy place where people ‘give high-fivers, not high fevers!’