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How a Text Message Can Boost Vaccine Rates

We don't always have to think outside the box.
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By Anisa Arsenault, Associate Editor
Published January 18, 2018
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You’re doing the best you can to keep track of baby’s many, many checkups and tests. But a little reminder can go a long way, especially when it comes to getting more parents to vaccinate.

A new review published in the Cochrane Library looked at the results of 75 studies from 10 countries, dozens of which were dedicated to immunizations across all ages. (29 of the studies were about reminders for routine immunizations in infants and children, in particular, like MMR and polio.) The studies looked at a variety of methods to remind people about both an upcoming routine vaccination or vaccinations in general, like text messages, phone calls and letters.

Compared to no reminders at all, and compared to more involved vaccine promotions, like media-based activities, these simple reminders increased vaccination rates the most. Researchers calculated 8 percent more people received a vaccination after a reminder compared to no reminder.

What this review didn’t dive deeply into was how to increase vaccination rates among people who are opposed to them, or anti-vaxxers. Cochrane researchers were exploring the most common reasons why vaccines are missed (forgetting, not knowing immunization schedules, having concerns about them), and not so much why they’re rejected. Don’t worry, though; other studies have come up with the best ways to talk to a vaccine skeptic.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

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