TextFluenza: Using Technology To Promote Flu Vaccination In Underserved Maternal And Child Populations

TextFluenza: Using Technology To Promote Flu Vaccination In Underserved Maternal And Child Population

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)recommends that the flu vaccine be administered annually to all children aged 6 months to 18 years as well as women who are pregnant during the influenza season. Nevertheless, targeting and mobilizing these populations has been difficult and influenza immunization rates nationwide remain low. Immunization reminder-recalls have been shown to be effective, but have had limited ability to rapidly identify and reach large target populations in a cost-effective manner. Evidence on how to optimally design these systems is not yet available and thus text message immunization alerts have not been widely implemented. The investigators propose to implement and evaluate tailored, targeted influenza text message reminders in urban pediatric and pregnant populations.

Inclusion criteria Parents (2010-2011 and 2011-2012 influenza seasons)

• Children aged 6 months to 18 years at the beginning of current influenza season
• Children with one previous visit at participating pediatric community health center in last year
• Parent with cell phone number in registry

Pregnant women Pilot (2010-2011 influenza seasons)

• Pregnant women who will be in their 2nd or 3rd trimester during the influenza season
• Own a cell phone with text message capability

Randomized controlled Trial (2011-2012 influenza seasons)

• Pregnant and will be in their 2nd or 3rd trimester during the influenza season
• Cell phone number in registry