Kent Hospital launches H1N1 web campaign

WARWICK, R.I.—Kent Hospital in Warwick on Wednesday launched a new web and social media campaign to inform the community about H1N1.

“I think there’s definitely discrepancies about the vaccine. Who should get it, who shouldn’t? Who’s most eligible to receive it, is it direct care or not direct care?“ said Debbie Maaz of Kent Hospital.

Maaz, an infectious disease nurse, is one of the experts taking questions.

She said the hospital just wants to calm fears and raise awareness about everything from what differentiates H1N1 from the seasonal flu to whether the H1N1 vaccine safe. People will be able to simply type in their question and click submit.

Kent Hospital’s Jim Beardsworth said people will see their question and other questions answered on the Web site.

“We want other people who may be thinking the same to get information and really educate as many people as possible,“ he said.

Beardsworth said people can expect an answer within 24 hours.

The hospital also has Facebook and Twitter accounts.