Using text messages to improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake, an RCT [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can behavioural-science informed text messages improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake in North West London? A RCT.
IRAS ID
297493
Contact name
Sarah Huf
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College Health Care Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 29 days
Research summary
COVID-19 vaccinations significantly reduce the risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19. Since December 2020, the UK has rolled out vaccinations according to the Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunity (JCVI) priority groups. However, despite survey data indicating that more than 90% of the UK population intends to get the vaccine, there are geographical and ethnic variations in vaccination acceptance. As younger cohorts with lower risk from COVID-19 become eligible for vaccination, we expecte that uptake rates may also be lower than they have been in previous cohorts
It was recently announced that a national NHS text message service will be introduced to invite individuals eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine to book a vaccination appointment. Furthermore, many GP practices and CCGs have already implemented text messages to invite eligible residents and patients for the vaccine.
Recent research has shown that the message content of text messages inviting members of the public to other preventative health opportunities (e.g. flu vaccine and cancer screening) can impact the rate of uptake.
This randomised controlled trial aims to investigate the most effective text message strategy to inform local, regional and national practice. The trial will test the impact of different message content and frequency of text message reminders on the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) which to date has seen the lowest rates of COVID-19 vaccination uptake nationally.
The message content selected will be informed by behavioural science theory. All residents in the Central London CCG who are aged 18-49, who have not yet been vaccinated and who have not declined will be included as their cohort becomes eligible for vaccination according to the JCVI.
The trial will compare the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination by trial arm at 3 and 8 weeks after the intervention is deployed.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0161
Date of REC Opinion
10 May 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion