An intervention for increasing HPV vaccination on a university campus

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the effects of a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intervention implemented on a large university campus in the United States. MethodsThe intervention consisted of student-directed campaign materials promoting HPV vaccination (e.g., posters, yard signs, social media posts) and provider recommendation for HPV vaccine to students attending university health services (UHS) from January through March of 2019. ResultsWe observed a 75% increase in HPV vaccine doses administered at UHS in the spring semester of 2019 vs. 2018. In both semesters a higher percentage of doses was given to females than males. Further, the increase from 2018 to 2019 was larger for females than males. Age at vaccine receipt did not differ by year. ConclusionsPartnering with college and university health centers to implement HPV vaccine interventions could be a promising strategy for increasing HPV vaccination coverage among young adult college students across the country.