Helping mothers to get the message about influenza: are texts the future for increased immunization?

Pregnant women and children are at increased risk of severe influenza infections. Despite existing recommendations, uptake of influenza vaccine in these vulnerable groups remains low. Text message reminder-recalls are a feasible and scalable method for promoting influenza vaccination. In randomized controlled trials, text message interventions have demonstrated small but significant increases in influenza vaccine coverage. They should be considered one of many tools available for increasing vaccination and thus improving maternal and child health.