ARLINGTON, Va. — NACDS’ flu-vaccination communications initiative has been selected as one of two finalists for the 2021 Public Affairs Council Advocacy Innovation Communications Award.  

Chosen from more than 40 applications, NACDS’ flu awareness initiative was selected – according to the judges – because of the campaign’s innovative approach to reporting media coverage by state and Congressional District; commitment to presenting communications assets that reflect diversity and that are presented in English and Spanish; and effectiveness in coalition building. 

NACDS launched its flu-vaccination communications initiative at the start of the 2020-2021 flu season to raise awareness among all Americans about the importance of receiving flu vaccinations as a critical way to prevent a two-front war with flu and COVID-19.  

The integrated campaign featured a multimedia toolkit for flu campaign collaborators’ use – including video ads, social media content and other awareness tools.  

“NACDS is honored to have been recognized by the Public Affairs Council as a finalist for this year’s Communications Innovation Award,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven Anderson. “NACDS’ flu-communications campaign underscores the heroic efforts of NACDS members and pharmacy teams throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – in helping Americans receive flu and other routine vaccinations and in ensuring patients and communities maintain access to the quality care they need.  

“We are grateful to the more than 80 collaborating organizations that contributed their leadership to this initiative and worked together with NACDS to spread the word about flu vaccinations to some of the most vulnerable and underserved populations. Thanks to the tremendous work and dedication of NACDS member companies and collaborators, together we were able to help guard against the ‘twindemic’ of flu and COVID-19. Tremendous work also is underway now to support the COVID-19 vaccination initiative and the hope that it brings for saving lives and livelihoods and returning us to all that we need and love.” 

The Communications Innovation Award is presented to the organization that uses innovative communications tactics for advocacy that help organizations get buy-in from key stakeholders, activate advocates or educate the public or legislators about their issues. First-place winners of the Public Affairs Council’s 2021 Public Affairs Innovation Awards will be announced at the Virtual 2021 Advocacy Conference on February 2-5.