DDB London set to win DoH flu drive

DDB London is being tipped to win the Department of Health (DoH) ad brief for the annual NHS flu jab push.

It is understood to have pitched against a number of agencies in a review overseen by the COI, but is now the only one left in the review.

It is believed that the agency’s work is in research, but a formal decision needs to be ratified by ministers.

A campaign is expected to mirror activity from previous years, including both above-the-line advertising, such as TV spots, outdoor and press. There will also be leaflets and posters to support health professionals running flu immunisation drives.

In recent years, the Government has aimed its flu immunisation programme at younger people, who are vulnerable to illness, babies up to six months and pensioners. The infants and the elderly get the vaccinations free before the start of winter.

For the third winter running, the DoH is offering free flu immunisation to all those who work in close contact with poultry. This is a precautionary public health measure to reduce the risk of contracting avian and human influenza at the same time, and the associated threat of producing a virus with “pandemic” potential.

The advertising campaign will be supported by a wider publicity programme that will include public relations and editorial.