SMS-based interventions for improving child and adolescent vaccine coverage and timeliness: a systematic review

Abstract Background The aim of this review was to investigate the impact of short message service (SMS)-based interventions on childhood vaccine coverage and timeliness. Methods A pre-defined search strategy was used to identify all relevant publications up until July 2022 from electronic databases. Reports of randomised trials written in English and involving children less than 18 years old were included. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results Thirty randomised trials were identified. Most trials were conducted in high-income countries. There was marked heterogeneity between studies. SMS-based interventions were associated with small to moderate improvements in vaccine coverage and timeliness compared to no SMS reminder. Reminders with embedded education or which were combined with monetary incentives performed better than simple reminders in some settings. Conclusion Some SMS-based interventions appear effective for improving child vaccine coverage and timeliness in some settings. Future studies should focus on identifying which features of SMS-based strategies, including the message content and timing, are determinants of effectiveness.