Study Backs Health-Promoting Text Messages

Molly Walker | Contributing Writer, MedPage Today | PEDIATRICS | 29 Dec 2014

Sending electronic text messages that not only reminded parents that their children needed a second influenza vaccine dose but also contained other health information was more effective than plain reminders in getting the kids to come in for the booster, researchers reported.

Children whose families received the informational text reminders had a second dose at some point during the flu season of 72.7%, compared with 57.1% among those who were given written reminders (P=0.003), according to Melissa Stockwell, MD, MPH, of Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, and colleagues. Article