Memorial Hospital Receives Statewide Recognition for“Get Your Shot” Vaccination Campaign
Memorial Hospital has been recognized by the Illinois Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations (ISHMPR) with an Honorable Mention in the Integrated Marketing Campaign category for its innovative vaccination awareness initiative, “Get Your Shot.” The recognition was presented during the ISHMPR Annual Conference and Pinnacle Awards, which honors outstanding achievements in healthcare marketing, communications, and public relations across Illinois.
The award-winning campaign was developed to increase awareness, accessibility, and utilization of vaccines available through Memorial Community Pharmacy and Memorial Hospital's Rural Health Clinics in Chester and Steeleville. The initiative directly supported priorities identified through Memorial Hospital's Community Health Needs Assessment, which highlighted opportunities to improve vaccination rates and preventative healthcare utilization throughout the region.
Research revealed that vaccination rates among adults in the area lagged behind desired levels, while vaccine hesitancy and lower participation in preventive health services remained barriers for many residents. In response, Memorial Hospital launched the “Get Your Shot” campaign to educate the community, reduce obstacles to care, and encourage individuals and families to take an active role in protecting their health.
"The purpose of this campaign was simple: make it easier for people to understand the importance of vaccinations and connect them with convenient, local access to those services," said Mariah Bargman, Marketing and Community Relations Manager at Memorial Hospital. "Preventive care plays a critical role in keeping our communities healthy, and we are proud of the positive impact this effort has had across Randolph County."
Launched during the 2025 flu season and running again this season, the campaign utilizes a comprehensive, multi-channel communication strategy to reach individuals where they live, work, receive healthcare, and consume information. Outreach efforts include social media advertising, radio and newspaper advertisements, educational brochures, email newsletters, website content, digital signage, and point-of-care messaging throughout clinics and pharmacy locations.
Centered on the empowering message "Get Your Shot," the campaign featured positive, approachable imagery designed to build confidence in vaccination and normalize preventive healthcare. Messaging highlighted the availability of flu, RSV, pneumonia, shingles, HPV, and other vaccines while emphasizing easy scheduling, walk-in convenience, and affordable access to care. Special attention was also given to promoting the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides free or reduced-cost vaccines for eligible children and families.
The campaign delivered measurable results throughout the community. Vaccine-related website traffic increased by 69 percent, while overall vaccinations administered through Memorial Hospital's Rural Health Clinics and Pharmacy increased year-over-year. Significant growth was seen in several key immunizations, including HPV, Chickenpox, Polio, DTP, and Rotavirus vaccines. Additionally, more than 540 vaccines were administered through the VFC program, helping reduce financial barriers and improve access to essential preventive healthcare services.
Beyond the measurable results, the campaign reinforced Memorial Hospital's commitment to improving community health through education, prevention, and access to care.
"Receiving this recognition from our peers across Illinois is an honor," said Bargman. "More importantly, it highlights the value of investing in preventive healthcare and ensuring community members have the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health. When more people receive recommended vaccinations, our entire community benefits."
The recognition reflects Memorial Hospital's ongoing mission to enhance the health and well-being of the communities it serves through innovative outreach, accessible healthcare services, and evidence-based prevention initiatives.
