A School-Based Intervention to Increase HPV Vaccination Rates

Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for over 33,000 cancer diagnoses each year in the United States. HPV vaccination rates remain 25%-30% lower than other preteen immunizations. Objective: The aim of this project was to increase the HPV vaccination rate among adolescents presenting to a school-based health center (SBHC) using provider recommendation and parent education. Methods: This project examined whether HPV vaccine acceptance improved over 8 weeks following implementation of a clinic policy requiring immunization records to be reviewed at every visit, along with providing parents with written recommendations and education. Results: Thirty-six students were found to be lacking HPV vaccination. Parents of these children received written recommendations and education on the HPV vaccine. Fifteen parents consented to the HPV vaccine for their child, a 1400% increase in HPV vaccine acceptance when compared to the same time period in 2017. Conclusions: This study found that a SBHC practice initiative led to an increase in HPV vaccine acceptance. There was also an increase in the acceptance of other vaccines such as Tdap, MenACWY, and Influenza. Implications for Nursing: Provider recommendation was influential in improving HPV vaccination rates. SBHC are an ideal alternative setting to improve vaccine acceptance among parents.