Electronic reminders could increase flu vax uptake

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2023-03-06 15:30

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Flu vaccination rates could be improved by distributing an electronic 'nudge', according to an international study in which Danish citizens aged 65 or older were sent an electronic reminder to get vaccinated against influenza via a government-run electronic letter system. The research found that electronic letters emphasizing the potential cardiovascular benefits of vaccination significantly increased vaccination uptake compared to usual care. The study also found that the strategies improved vaccination rates across major subgroups, including those with and without established cardiovascular disease. Although the magnitude of effectiveness was modest, the low-touch, inexpensive, and highly scalable nature of these electronic letters could inform future public health campaigns.