Lottery Incentive Nudges to Increase Influenza Vaccinations

During the 2021-22 flu season, the study team will contact Geisinger patients who have a primary care or specialist appointment scheduled during flu season and encourage them to get a flu shot.

Patients will be randomized into 4 to 9 study arms, depending on a sample size projection completed in August 2021. Arms will test the relative efficacy of a variety of small monetary incentives on flu shot uptake. Incentives may include (a) a $1 Pennsylvania scratch-off lottery ticket (with top prize of $5,000), (b) $1 in cash, (c) entry into a raffle for $5,000 absent upfront odds, (d) entry into a raffle for $5,000, with 1-in-5,000 odds of winning, (d) entry into a raffle for $50, with 1-in-50 odds of winning, and (e) entry into a raffle for $500, with 1-in-500 odds of winning. There will be one no-contact control arm and at least 1 reminder control arm (with additional control arms added given sufficient sample size and additional message versions to be tested).

Included in the study will be current Geisinger patients 18+ years of age with no contraindications for flu vaccine who have an appointment scheduled during the study period with a provider who can administer the vaccine. The primary study outcomes will be the rates of flu vaccination and flu diagnosis during the 2021-22 season by targeted patients.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18+
• Pennsylvania mailing address listed
• Geisinger primary care provider (PCP) assigned
• Upcoming appointment with PCP or select specialist who stocks and can administer the vaccine during the study period

Exclusion criteria

• Has opted out of receiving messages from Geisinger on all modalities being tested