Case Study: California Department of Public Health achieves 33% follow-through to suggested flu-shot sites with Upland Software

California Department of Public Health - Customer Case Study

Upland Mobile Messaging partnered with the California Department of Public Health during the 2009 H1N1 outbreak to help Californians find nearby vaccination sites. CDPH had a database of clinics and pharmacies with vaccine stock but no simple way for people—especially younger groups less likely to vaccinate—to access that information quickly.

They launched a text-message flu shot locator that let users text their location and receive the nearest clinic or pharmacy, promoted via billboards, transit ads, and social media. More than 1,000 people texted in within three days; follow-up survey showed a 50% response rate, 33% of respondents got vaccinated at the suggested location, and 40% of those not yet vaccinated planned to get the shot—an approach later adopted by other health departments.

California Department of Public Health

Tiffany Sutter

Immunization Branch, Information and Education Section Chief