Designing an SMS reminder intervention to improve vaccination uptake in Northern Nigeria: a qualitative study

In 2017, penta3 coverage was low in Nigeria, with the most reported reason for non-vaccination being lack of knowledge about the immunization place, time and need. To address knowledge gaps and improve vaccination uptake, the authors designed an Immunization Reminder and Information SMS System (IRISS) to educate and remind parents/caregivers about immunization using SMS. A formative study was conducted to understand the contextual and behavioral factors that would inform the IRISS intervention design and implementation. The authors conducted the study in four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kebbi State Nigeria in October 2018, amongst a diverse selection of participants. The authors found that pockets of misconceptions existed among community members and generally found the tested messages to be relevant, motivating and culturally acceptable. SMS reminders have the potential to bridge the information gap in community awareness for vaccination, which can translate to improved immunization uptake.