Using mobile technologies for immunization: Predictors of uptake of a pan-Canadian immunization app (ImmunizeCA).

Abstract

Substandard vaccination compliance in many areas of North America has resulted in outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles (1). Mobile technologies offer an opportunity for public health to improve vaccination rates by providing accurate information and reminding individuals of immunization appointments (2). However, mobile apps are limited by the willingness of the public to download them. ImmunizeCA is a pan-Canadian immunization app, which provides users with a mechanism to store their family’s immunization records, access accurate immunization information, schedule appointments and be notified of vaccine-preventable diseases in their vicinity. We sought to measure uptake and use of ImmunizeCA over a six-month period, and to assess the effectiveness of various promotional strategies in driving uptake and use of the app (Table 1). Strategies examined included: government and hospital press releases, Apple (Apple Inc, USA) App Store placement in “Best New Apps” section at launch, direct-to-household flyers enclosed in federal universal child benefit cheques (flyers), as well as online and print news articles and mentions in social media (Twitter [Twitter Inc, USA] and Facebook [Facebook Inc, USA]). TABLE 1 Period of investigation and critical events during the study period March 20 to September 20, 2014