In a collaborative effort with the Paediatrics Department of IMU University, student researchers Chin Yu Qian, Chui Chai Suen, Esther Tan Yi Xuan, Lee Xin Ni, and Lum Jia Yee from the medical intake of ME121 launched a comprehensive Influenza Awareness Campaign on 19 April 2024. Led by A/Prof Dr Erwin Khoo Jiayuan, the campaign focuses on quality improvement initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of seasonal influenza and emphasizing the importance of preventive medicine among healthcare personnel, staff, and students.
The campaign extended its reach beyond the IMU Clinical Campus in Seremban to IMU University’s Bukit Jalil Campus on 1 August 2024. Here, the student researchers set up an engaging booth in the Atrium, showcasing quality improvement initiatives designed to spread evidence-based information, interactive activities to enhance personal understanding, and promote accurate health literacy among the IMU community.
The booth featured a mini-informative exhibition covering topics such as common myths and misunderstandings about influenza, ethical concerns of flu vaccines, general information decks, and a short WHO video on influenza. Attendees were encouraged to leave comments or opinions on a display board for public viewing, contributing to the continuous improvement of the campaign’s educational impact.
Complementing the community art installation at the IMU Clinical Campus in Seremban, four canvases were prepared for fingerprinting, allowing Bukit Jalil students and staff to symbolically show their support for community health.
The event saw significant engagement, with numerous staff and students, including faculty members, inquiring about the research project.
The student researchers took this opportunity to advocate for influenza vaccination and encourage annual immunization, highlighting their commitment to quality improvement in public health education.
Overall, the Influenza Awareness Campaign has made significant strides in promoting influenza awareness and vaccination through quality improvement initiatives at both the Seremban and Bukit Jalil campuses. Through informative exhibitions, interactive activities, and community art installations, the campaign has worked on dispelling myths, providing accurate health information, and fostering a sense of solidarity and collective responsibility towards public health.
You can find out details of their previous initiatives at IMU Medical Students Spearheaded Launch of Influenza Awareness Campaign in Conjunction with 2024 World Immunisation Week.
