Relying On Social Networks For H1N1 Information

The government is pushing more information about the H1N1 Vaccine through social media.

By: Tina Tyus-Shaw | WSAV-TV
Published: September 22, 2009

(Savannah) Do not adjust your television set.... this emergency alert message is sending out an alarm of a different kind via Youtube. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning viewers about H1N1. It's just one method of new media being used by the government to spread the word far and wide.
"Where do you usually get your information?" "I do a lot on facebook." Like Taylor, many students at Armstrong Atlantic State University get most the information by way of new media. That's why campus administrators have made their University's home page a one stop shop for everything students need to know about H1N1. "Like right now around our school you have hand sanitizer everytime someone sneezes they have an opportunity to wash thier hands at that moment," says Songoli Okolo. The CDC has more than 25,000 fans on their facebook page. Officials say it's one of the quickest ways to get the word out about H1N1. "I think its a really good idea because a lot of people are just like throwing it to the side. They don't really think about how important it is and on facebook and Twitter it's a good way to get to everybody," says Brittany Redding. "That's going to e more informative for me to know if I'm on facebook or if I'm looking at an e-mail," says Songoli. The CDC says that the best place is to get information is on their official website… they warn that other sites could have miss information that could be detrimental. "I feel if the government is trying to inform me on the right facts about it will help me out to know what I can do." The H1N1 vaccine is suppose to be ready in October. keep up with when the latest H1N1 information on the CDC website. www.cdc.gov.