Text reminders to help families with children's flu shots
Official title: Text4Vax: Understanding the Implementation of Informational Text Messages for Pediatric Influenza Vaccines
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11422381 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Helpful text messages will give families clear information about kids' flu risks, vaccine safety, and how to get vaccinated.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $784,566 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182165-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11422381 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Caregivers of young children and adolescents who are registered at participating pediatric clinics and can receive text messages are the best fit.
✕Less likely to help
Families without a mobile phone, who do not read text messages, or who are firmly opposed to vaccination may not benefit from the program.
What this research studies
You would receive short, clear text messages from your child's clinic about how common serious flu is in children, how the vaccine works, and whether it is safe. The program sends these messages through participating pediatric clinics across the country and tracks how families respond and whether children get vaccinated. Messages can also include local clinic hours, locations, and appointment reminders to make getting the shot easier. The team is testing practical, low-cost ways to help families make informed decisions about flu vaccination.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could make it easier for families to understand flu risks and get children vaccinated, potentially reducing severe illness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows reminders and informational texts can modestly increase vaccine uptake, though applying and optimizing this approach specifically for pediatric influenza is still being refined.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stockwell, Melissa S — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Stockwell, Melissa S
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.