InfluSMS: Øker SMS-påminning oppmøtet til influensavaksinering?
About the project
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Project period: 31.05.2025 - 30.12.2026 (Active)
- Coordinating Institution: Norwegian Institute of Public Health
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Project Manager:
- Bo Lars Thorvald Terning Hansen, Infection Control and Vaccines
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Project Participants:
- Hinta Meijerink, Infection Control and Vaccines
- Liz Ertzeid Ødeskaug, Infection Control and Preparedness
- Angela Susan Labberton, Health Services Research
- Kjersti Margrethe Rydland, Infection Control and Vaccines
- Torbjørn Wisløff, Division of Medicine and Laboratory Sciences
- Ole Klungsøyr, National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention
- Lauri Sääksvuori, National Institute for Health and Welfare
Summary
Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that at least 75 percent of people aged 65 years and older receive the influenza vaccine each year. In Norway, coverage is lower, and many older adults miss out on the protection the vaccine provides. Among some immigrant groups, coverage is particularly low. Older individuals are more vulnerable to severe illness and complications from influenza. Increasing vaccination coverage in this age group can therefore help reduce both disease burden and strain on the healthcare system. The decision to get vaccinated against influenza can be influenced by many factors. For some, not getting vaccinated is not a conscious or deliberate choice, but rather a result of forgetting, being unaware of the vaccination offer, or not prioritizing it in a busy everyday life. In this study, we are investigating whether an SMS reminder can help more older adults in Norway choose to get vaccinated. Objective: The main aims of the study are to determine whether SMS reminders sent at the beginning of the influenza season lead to higher vaccination uptake among older adults, and whether the language of the message affects the impact of the intervention. By comparing vaccination uptake between groups receiving different versions of the SMS and groups receiving no SMS, we can assess the effect of receiving an SMS reminder. Study design and data: The project is conducted as a randomized controlled trial among a sample of older adults living in Norway. Participants are randomly assigned to different groups: Older adults with a Polish background are divided into three groups: one receives an SMS in Norwegian, one in Polish, and one receives no SMS. Older adults with a Ukrainian background are divided into three groups: one receives an SMS in Norwegian, one in Ukrainian, and one receives no SMS. Older adults with other backgrounds are divided into two groups: one receives an SMS in Norwegian, and one receives no SMS. The SMS messages will be sent in October 2025. After the distribution, we will examine how many individuals in each group have received the influenza vaccine. Vaccination data will be obtained from SYSVAK, the national vaccination register.