Pilot Text Message for Influenza Vaccination

Pilot Study of Text Message Reminders for Flu Vaccine For Adults

Influenza is an important and potentially preventable cause of morbidity and mortality, yet only 46% of U.S. adults were vaccinated by the end of the 2011-12 influenza season despite influenza vaccination being widely recommended, effective, and safe. Influenza vaccination rates are even lower in racial/ethnic minority groups. In order to address the problem of low influenza vaccination rates in minority adults, we plan to build on the well-accepted practice of immunization recall-reminders and the emerging practice of using text message to pilot the feasibility of using text messaging to improve influenza vaccination coverage rates in a low health literacy, largely minority, publicly insured adult population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• > or = 18 years of age,
• at least one visit to the AIM clinic during the previous year
• a cell phone number in the registration system
• fluent in English or Spanish. Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

• Receipt of influenza vaccination during the 2012-2013 influenza season prior to randomization.