Zyrtec, in collaboration with celebrity mother Phoebe Burgess, has launched a campaign to raise awareness about childhood allergic rhinitis symptoms. The campaign, developed by Publicis Groupe Australia, includes a storybook titled 'Zach and Zoe’s Hide and Sneeze', inspired by Burgess' experience raising children with allergic rhinitis. The book will be provided as a free gift with the purchase of Zyrtec products in selected pharmacies.

Allergic rhinitis can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, and watery, itchy eyes, and can be triggered by dust, pet dander, and mould. A recent survey commissioned by Zyrtec found that nearly 40% of 1,000 Australian parents are not fully aware of the common allergens that could affect children. Zyrtec aims to use the book to help parents understand allergies and open conversations about them with their children.

"Zyrtec Storytime seeks to close the awareness gap of allergic rhinitis in parents, which can potentially lead to symptom confusion and misdiagnosis. Our research has found that as many as two-thirds of Aussie parents have taken their child out of school or daycare due to symptoms related to allergic rhinitis, causing out of pocket costs. Through Zach and Zoe’s Hide and Sneeze and the accompanying integrated campaign by Publicis Groupe, we’re thrilled to harness the bedtime story ritual as an opportunity for families to learn about allergic rhinitis through imaginative storytelling," said Oliver Wright, Self Care Business Unit Director at Kenvue Australia.

The campaign will also include health care professional packs for pharmacists, PR activity, and a content and social media partnership with women’s independent media group, Mamamia. The book, illustrated by Simon Greiner, will be available as a free gift with any Zyrtec purchase at Chemist Warehouse, Terry White Chemmart and other independent pharmacies, from 1 September until stocks last. It will also be available as a downloadable e-book from local grocery stores.

"The Zyrtec Storytime campaign is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through collaboration, creativity and a coming together of multi-channel expertise. This awareness campaign is rooted in a clear insight that many parents can relate to, providing them with an opportunity to discuss the effects of allergies with their children through fun storytelling. After three years of partnership with Kenvue, we’re thrilled to continue innovating and exploring new ways to put the power of everyday care into the hands of their consumers," said Helge Gruettke, Chief Client Officer with Publicis Groupe Australia.