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Unbranded vaccine patient site with postal code tracker
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A client is considering creating an unbranded vaccine site to raise awareness on the importance of vaccination with consumers. There would be a mention that the site was created by company X, but no promotion of the brand itself.
As part of the website, they want to add a functionality where the consumer can enter their postal code and a list of nearby locations where they can get a vaccination would appear. They only have access to the list of locations that carry their vaccine brand. Would this partial list be acceptable? Also, would it be acceptable to inform the consumer that these sites are known to carry brand X vaccine?
Natalie Bourré
Marketing 4 Health Inc.
Medical Marketing Consultant, Medical Writer
nat@marketing4health.net -
A client is considering creating an unbranded vaccine site to raise awareness on the importance of vaccination with consumers. There would be a mention that the site was created by company X, but no promotion of the brand itself.
As part of the website, they want to add a functionality where the consumer can enter their postal code and a list of nearby locations where they can get a vaccination would appear. They only have access to the list of locations that carry their vaccine brand. Would this partial list be acceptable? Also, would it be acceptable to inform the consumer that these sites are known to carry brand X vaccine?
Hey @natbourre
It appears that the intent is to develop a help-seeking message. What you’ve described does not meet the criteria of a help-seeking message per the Distinction Between Advertising and Other Activities as the addition of the company name would violate the requirements. The direct link to sites that only have the sponsors brand and listing the sponsors brand as what is offered at those sites would also brand the site.
If you are going the help-seeking route, all criteria listing in the distinction document should be followed.
Since this is a vaccine, DTC advertising which links the product to it’s therapeutic use could be considered. If this option is selected, all advertising regulations would be required to be met.
