From the background in PubMed: Patient reminder systems are an evidence-based way to improve childhood vaccination rates but are difficult to implement in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Short Message Service (SMS) texts may offer a potential low-cost solution, especially in LMICs where mobile phones are becoming more ubiquitous.

mFHAST Implications: Feasibility of using SMS for increasing childhood vaccination rates in LMIC settings

From the PubMed article abstract: "In September 2008, Sydney Sexual Health Centre implemented an SMS reminder system. The authors assessed the impact of the reminder system on HBV vaccination rates among patients who initiated a course. The authors used a chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression to determine if SMS reminders were associated with second and third dose vaccine completion, compared with patients prior to the intervention."

mFHAST Implications: Opportunity for SMS reminders to improve vaccination completion rates

From the PubMed article abstract: "Invasive pneumococcal disease is one of the most important vaccine-preventable diseases threatening the adult community due to missed opportunities for vaccination. This study compares the effect of three different types of patient reminder system on adulthood Streptococcus pneumoniae immunization in a primary care setting."

mFHAST Implications: Effectiveness of SMS reminders for adult vaccination programs

From the PubMed abstract: "A number of 344 women who received TIV were randomly assigned to a telephone interview group. They were telephoned seven days post-vaccination and administered a standard survey soliciting any adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) they experienced. They were matched by brand of vaccine, age group, and residence to 344 women who were sent a SMS seven days post-vaccination. The SMS solicited similar information. AEFI reported by SMS and telephone interview were compared by calculating risk ratios."

mFHAST Implications: Opportunities to use SMS for vaccination program adverse event reporting collection. 

Further discussion and finalization of the Immunization Use Case with Rob Savage from the Public Health & Emergency Response workgroup.

Extensive review and discussion of the Immunization Use Case with Rob Savage from the Public Health & Emergency Response workgroup.

Short review of the Immunization Use Case with Rob Savage from the Public Health & Emergency Response workgroup.

From the article abstract: "Trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) has been recommended for pregnant women in Australia for more than a decade and funded since 2009, yet vaccination coverage remains low. Misperceptions of the safety of TIV in pregnancy have been identified as a major contributor to low vaccination rates. Ongoing safety monitoring with dissemination of results could help improve antenatal influenza vaccine uptake."

mFHAST Implications: Opportunity for use of SMS for pregnancy related vaccination adverse event reporting