Simple electronic nudges increased flu vaccination rates by up to 13.9 percentage points, according to a recent study.
The randomized clinical trial of 299,881 Danish patients aged 18 to 64 years with chronic diseases demonstrated that electronically delivered, behaviorally informed letters increased influenza vaccination rates. The study population included 53.2% females, with a median age of 52 years (interquartile range 39.8 to 59 years). Participants were randomized to receive one of six behaviorally informed electronic letters or usual care with no letter. The intervention groups achieved vaccination rates 11 to 13.9 percentage points higher than the control group.
Researchers examined strategies including repeated reminders and messaging emphasizing cardiovascular benefits of vaccination. One of the more effective approaches involved a repeated letter sent 10 days after the initial communication, which increased vaccination rates to 41.8% compared with 27.9% in the control group. Additionally, letters framing potential cardiovascular benefits resulted in a 39.8% vaccination rate.
Published in JAMA, the study demonstrated that behaviorally informed electronic nudges were associated with improved influenza vaccination rates among younger patients with chronic conditions. The increase in vaccination rates observed in the study population indicates that these strategies could be relevant for public health efforts.
Full disclosures can be found in the published study.