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Early Lessons Learned From Extramural School Programs That Offer HPV Vaccine
Author(s) -
Hayes Kim A.,
Entzel Pamela,
Berger Wendy,
Caskey Rachel N.,
Shlay Judith C.,
Stubbs Brenda W.,
Smith Jennifer S.,
Brewer Noel T.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.12007
Subject(s) - medicaid , medicine , hpv vaccines , absenteeism , family medicine , vaccination , human papillomavirus , medical education , health care , business , political science , psychology , hpv infection , cervical cancer , immunology , cancer , social psychology , law
BACKGROUND There has been little evaluation of school‐located vaccination programs that offer human papillomavirus ( HPV ) vaccine in US schools without health centers (ie, extramural programs). This article summarizes lessons learned from such programs. METHODS In July to August 2010, 5 programs were identified. Semistructured, in‐depth telephone interviews were conducted with program representatives about practical aspects of planning and implementation, including configuration and effectiveness. RESULTS Most programs offered HPV vaccine as part of a broader effort to increase uptake of adolescent vaccines. Respondents stressed the importance of building partnerships with local school systems throughout all aspects of the planning and implementation phases. All programs offered HPV vaccine at no cost to students. Most did not have a mechanism to bill private insurance, and some found Medicaid reimbursements to be a challenge. Programs achieved modest rates of initiation of the 3‐dose HPV vaccine series (median 10%); however, among those who initiated the series, completion rates were high (median 78%). HPV vaccine uptake was lowest for a program that offered only HPV vaccine. CONCLUSIONS Extramural programs may increase uptake of vaccines and decrease absenteeism due to noncompliance with vaccine requirements for school entry. Until extramural programs in the US receive better access to billing private insurers and Medicaid, sustainability of these programs relies on grant funding. Better integration of extramural school‐located vaccine programs with existing local healthcare and other programs at schools is an area for growth.