Study: Indirect Behavioral Nudges Get Best Vaccination Results

​Indirect behavioral nudges are more effective at convincing people to get vaccinations than are educational campaigns or attempts to persuade them directly, according to a study published April 3, 2018, in Psychological Science in the Public Interest. Rather than speaking directly to patients about vaccinations or giving them educational leaflets on the benefits of vaccination, the study suggests, providers may achieve more favorable results by portraying vaccination as a routine and positive event. Healthcare providers should automatically schedule vaccination appointments with patients when they are due, or offer phone and text reminders.