THD Launches New Text Message Campaign Aimed At Getting Tulsans Vaccinated

The Tulsa Health Department is starting a new texting campaign aimed at helping people in the county get vaccinated. The target areas for these texts are the zip codes within Tulsa County that have the lowest vaccination rates.

Currently, the Tulsa Health Department says almost 49% of Tulsa County residents who are ages 18 years and older have been fully vaccinated, but THD said it needs to start reaching the other half of the county.

There will be four separate text messages that go out over the course of six weeks with vaccination reminders. The texts will be from your local area code and will be sent by actual humans, so if you would like to text them back with questions, you will get a reply.

THD’s executive director Bruce Dart said this is a step in the right direction for the community and solid communication is always their goal.

“Text message reminders are proven effective for increasing vaccination uptake, and we are looking for creative ways to generate awareness and reach herd immunity,” added Dart. “We expect that for those who are open to getting vaccinated but haven’t followed through, these types of reminders will be an effective nudge toward vaccination."

He said the messages are secure, but wants people to know the facts about who is texting them.

“These messages are not a scam. THD will never ask for personal information or money. The text messages are intended to help recipients schedule their first dose or make them aware of walk-in opportunities near them,” Dart said.

The health department said you can opt-out of the messages at any time, if you choose to do so, and will not be contacted again.