SMS reminders could boost timely childhood vaccination

A new Australian study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific has found that SMS reminders increased timely vaccination of children by around 6%.

The randomised trial involved sending automated reminders to 9,993 parents of children registered with 20 primary health clinics across Australia.

Although neutral SMS reminders were less effective than more persuasive messages, the researchers were unable to identify a single best combination of reminder content framing and timing.

Other digital initiatives to boost on-time childhood vaccination include the NSW Government’s new online tool, which allows parents to check which vaccines their child needs and when by entering their child’s name and birth date.