Text Message Reminders Can Improve Pediatric Influenza Vaccination Rates

The intervention had the greatest effect on vaccination rates in younger children in a low-income urban community.

　　Vaccinating the pediatric population against influenza remains a public health priority, not only for the safety of children but also because children are a substantial source of transmission. However, in 2011 only 51% of children between ages 6 months and 18 years were immunized. In a randomized study, researchers compared the effect on immunization rates of adding text message reminders to usual care (automated telephone reminder) during the 2010–2011 influenza season at four urban community clinics (9213 children and adolescents) in New York City. Parents in the intervention group received five weekly text messages informing them of the safety of the flu vaccine and about additional Saturday vaccine clinics.

　　By March 2011, the vaccination rate was significantly higher (by 3.7%) in the intervention group than in the usual-care group (43.6% vs. 39.9%). The intervention effect was greatest in children aged 6 to 23 months, remained significant in those aged 2 to <5 years, but did not increase rates in those aged 5 to 18 years.

Related Link://www.nurftech.com/detail/174261.html