Communication Campaign for HPV Vaccination

Overseen By Isabel C Scarinci, PhD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

29 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to boost HPV vaccination rates in Alabama, focusing on Chambers County, where cervical cancer rates are high. High school students will design and deliver a multi-channel communication campaign to encourage vaccination. The goal is to determine if this student-led approach can effectively increase HPV vaccinations and be applied more broadly in the future. High school students in the Health Science Program in Chambers County are invited to participate. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for students to contribute to public health innovation and community well-being.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What prior data suggests that this communication campaign is safe for promoting HPV vaccination?

Research has shown that different communication methods can increase HPV vaccination rates. A review of studies found that these methods significantly boost vaccination uptake. One study examined the impact of digital messages on people's willingness to get vaccinated and found that they can enhance confidence in the vaccine's safety and effectiveness. This suggests that communication campaigns can effectively encourage more people to receive the HPV vaccine without direct health risks.

Although the campaign itself is not a medical treatment, it aims to inform and encourage vaccination, which is widely considered safe. The FDA has approved the HPV vaccine, and it is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects are mild, such as soreness at the injection site or a slight fever, while serious side effects are rare.

Overall, using communication to promote HPV vaccination is a safe approach. It helps increase vaccination rates, which can reduce HPV-related diseases. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the multi-channel communication campaign for HPV vaccination because it uses a unique approach to increase vaccination rates. Unlike traditional methods that might rely on single channels like in-office recommendations, this campaign leverages multiple platforms—such as social media, email, and community events—to reach a broader audience. This strategy aims to educate and motivate a diverse population, potentially leading to higher vaccination uptake. By enhancing awareness and accessibility, this campaign could significantly improve public health outcomes related to HPV-related diseases.

What evidence suggests that this communication campaign is effective for promoting HPV vaccination?

Research has shown that using various communication methods can greatly increase HPV vaccination rates. This trial will implement a multi-channel communication campaign to promote HPV vaccination. One study found that combining social marketing with diverse communication methods led to higher vaccination rates. Another study demonstrated that smart strategies in online campaigns effectively increased vaccination rates among teens at a low cost. However, not all methods work equally well. For instance, a Facebook campaign targeting mothers had little effect on vaccination rates. Overall, evidence suggests that well-planned campaigns using multiple platforms can effectively encourage HPV vaccination. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Isabel Scarinci, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for the community of Chambers County, Alabama. It aims to increase HPV vaccination rates among children and adults aged 9 to 26. The focus is on a participatory campaign led by high school students with support from various organizations.

Inclusion Criteria

High school students enrolled in the Health Science Program at the Chambers County School District, Alabama

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Development and Implementation

Development and implementation of a multi-channel communication campaign by high school students to promote HPV vaccination

6 months

Ongoing engagement with students, parents, and school staff

School-based Vaccination

Provision of school-based HPV vaccination linked to the communication campaign

6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for HPV vaccination uptake at the county level

1 year

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Multi-Channel Communication Campaign

Trial Overview A multi-channel communication campaign called OPERATION WIPE OUT is being tested to boost HPV vaccine uptake in rural areas with high cervical cancer rates. High school students will lead the effort, linked to school-based vaccinations.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: HPV vaccination Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Multi-channel campaign to promote HPV vaccination

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,677

Recruited

2,458,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The HPV vaccine, introduced in 2006, has significantly reduced the incidence of HPV-related cancers, yet over 47,000 new cases still occur annually in the U.S., particularly in rural areas with lower vaccination rates.

The article proposes a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy to promote HPV vaccination in rural northern New England, utilizing community partnerships, storytelling, and media outreach to address health disparities and improve vaccination rates.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Raising the HPV Vaccination Rate in Rural Northern New England Using Local Opinion Leaders. Dugan, M., Stein, GS., Khan, S., et al.[2023]

Out of 1577 patients referred to the One Access centers for suspected adverse events following HPV vaccination, only 404 (26%) were reported to the Danish Medicines Agency, highlighting significant gaps in AEFI reporting.

The study identified regional differences in reporting completeness and factors influencing physicians' reporting behavior, suggesting that these inconsistencies could affect the reliability of AEFI data used for research and policy decisions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

On the contextual nature of vaccine safety monitoring: Adverse events reporting after HPV-vaccination in Denmark, 2015. Schartau, S., Heering Holt, D., Lützen, T., et al.[2020]

The post-licensure safety profile of HPV vaccines Gardasil and Cervarix was evaluated using data from three sources, including VigiBase and VAERS, confirming that the reported adverse events align with existing safety data.

The analysis showed that the safety profiles of both vaccines are consistent with the information provided in their Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC), indicating that they are safe for public use.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Postlicensure safety evaluation of human papilloma virus vaccines. Labadie, J.[2015]

A review of 14 public awareness campaigns about HPV vaccination revealed that while many campaigns exist, they primarily emphasize the cancer prevention benefits of the vaccine, with few addressing barriers to vaccination.

Only 4 out of the 14 campaigns had data on their effectiveness, and just 2 evaluated actual vaccination outcomes, indicating a lack of evidence on how these campaigns impact vaccination rates.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

HPV Vaccine Public Awareness Campaigns: An Environmental Scan. Blasi, PR., King, D., Henrikson, NB.[2015]

The study estimated background rates of potential adverse events following immunization (AEFI) in adolescent boys, finding rates of 252.9 neurological events and 175.2 allergic events per 100,000 person-years, which helps establish a baseline for safety monitoring after the quadrivalent HPV vaccination.

After vaccinating approximately 1.44 million boys, the study predicts about 2.4 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, 3.9 seizures, and 0.3 anaphylaxis episodes in the first 6 weeks, indicating that while some adverse events may occur, they are expected at low rates relative to the number of vaccinations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Human papillomavirus vaccine in boys: background rates of potential adverse events. Clothier, HJ., Lee, KJ., Sundararajan, V., et al.[2019]

The reporting rate of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) for the HPV vaccine in the Valencian Community significantly decreased from 2008 to 2018, particularly showing a sharp decline of 54.9% from 2009 to 2011, indicating improved perceptions of vaccine safety over time.

Most reported AEFIs were nonserious, such as local reactions, headaches, and dizziness, with no deaths reported, suggesting that the HPV vaccine is generally safe for the population, especially among girls aged 14-15 years.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Trends of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) Reports of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in the Valencian Community-Spain (2008-2018). Egoavil, CM., Tuells, J., Carreras, JJ., et al.[2020]

Mothers are the primary decision-makers for HPV vaccination, with a strong emphasis on prevention messages about cervical cancer being the most effective way to motivate parents across five countries.

Television is the preferred source of information about HPV vaccination in most countries surveyed, highlighting the importance of effective communication strategies by providers to enhance vaccination uptake.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Persuasive messaging for human papillomavirus vaccination by adolescent providers in a five-country multi-site study. Rwamwejo, J., Ramos, S., Morgan, K., et al.[2020]

A 12-month randomized controlled trial showed that healthcare providers who used a combination of communication strategies, including the presumptive approach and motivational interviewing, reported higher levels of parental acceptance of the HPV vaccine.

The intervention also led to increased vaccination rates among adolescents, highlighting the importance of effective communication in improving HPV vaccination uptake.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Examining strategies for improving healthcare providers' communication about adolescent HPV vaccination: evaluation of secondary outcomes in a randomized controlled trial. Reno, JE., Thomas, J., Pyrzanowski, J., et al.[2020]

A study adapted a National Cancer Institute HPV vaccine program for social media, using strategies that significantly increased reach and engagement, particularly on Instagram and TikTok, over a 4-month period.

The research identified effective strategies for disseminating vaccine messages, such as using videos and hashtags, which helped improve visibility and follower engagement, especially on Instagram.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adaptation and Dissemination of a National Cancer Institute HPV Vaccine Evidence-Based Cancer Control Program to the Social Media Messaging Environment. Hopfer, S., Phillips, KK., Weinzierl, M., et al.[2022]

A study involving 418,289 Danish girls aged 12-15 years established baseline incidence rates of immune-mediated disorders before the introduction of the HPV vaccination, which is crucial for assessing vaccine safety.

The research provides a systematic framework for evaluating potential adverse events related to HPV vaccination by comparing actual cases of immune-mediated disorders to expected cases that could occur by chance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Human papillomavirus immunisation of adolescent girls and anticipated reporting of immune-mediated adverse events. Callréus, T., Svanström, H., Nielsen, NM., et al.[2009]

Gardasil-9, the only HPV vaccine available in the U.S., is nearly 100% effective at preventing precancers caused by oncogenic HPV types, yet only about half of adolescents are fully vaccinated.

Strong and presumptive recommendations from healthcare clinicians significantly improve HPV vaccine uptake, highlighting the importance of effective communication strategies in increasing vaccination rates.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinician communication strategies associated with increased uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine: A systematic review. Constable, C., Ferguson, K., Nicholson, J., et al.[2022]

A one-month Twitter campaign aimed at promoting HPV vaccine knowledge among 35 low-income women aged 18-26 in public housing was found to be feasible and acceptable, with participants remaining engaged throughout the intervention.

Despite the campaign's acceptability, there were no significant changes in HPV knowledge, attitudes, or vaccine intentions, although participants reported a decreased perceived risk for cervical cancer, indicating the need for further research to effectively increase vaccine uptake in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility of a twitter campaign to promote HPV vaccine uptake among racially/ethnically diverse young adult women living in public housing. Allen, JD., Hollander, J., Gualtieri, L., et al.[2023]

An evidence-based educational brochure and reminder system significantly increased HPV vaccine uptake among parents of preteen girls, with a 9.4 times higher likelihood of vaccination compared to a historical control group.

The intervention also led to a remarkable 22.5 times increase in dose completion rates, highlighting the effectiveness of structured educational and reminder strategies in improving vaccination outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A quality improvement initiative to increase HPV vaccine rates using an educational and reminder strategy with parents of preteen girls. Cassidy, B., Braxter, B., Charron-Prochownik, D., et al.[2015]

The HPV Vaccination NOW campaign in South Carolina successfully raised awareness and confidence in HPV vaccination, reaching over 33,000 individuals and generating more than 370,000 impressions in just ten weeks.

Engagement through personal stories on social media helped counter misinformation about the HPV vaccine, demonstrating the effectiveness of peer-to-peer dialogue in promoting accurate information and encouraging vaccination.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Correcting HPV Vaccination Misinformation Online: Evaluating the HPV Vaccination NOW Social Media Campaign. Sundstrom, B., Cartmell, KB., White, AA., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12410811/

Impact of health promotion strategies on HPV vaccination uptake Social marketing combining convenience and multi-channel communication significantly enhanced uptake. These findings support the ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12054372/

Cost-effectiveness of a behavioral insights-informed digital ... This study estimates the cost-effectiveness of a behavioral insights-informed social media campaign designed to increase HPV vaccine uptake among adolescent ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0090825820340592

The impact of a Facebook campaign among mothers on ... The results of the current study indicate that an engaging Facebook campaign with high reach among mothers had little overall effect on HPV vaccine uptake among ...

4. bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-08824-0

Feasibility of a twitter campaign to promote HPV vaccine ... HPV vaccination decision self-efficacy was high and did not change after the campaign (85% vs 83%, respectively, p = 0.95). We observed no statistically ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335522002273

The impact of HPV vaccine narratives on social media We tested the impact of a social media campaign with narrative-based health information on intentions related to HPV vaccination.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6746532/

A systematic literature review to examine the potential for ... This article summarizes the findings from a systematic literature review to examine how social media may impact HPV vaccine uptake and HPV and HPV vaccine ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11209435/

Multiple Messaging Strategies for Increasing HPV Vaccination ... The reported study compared the impact of four influence strategies (agency assignment, enhanced active choice, deviance regulation marking, and temporal ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X25006243

Impact of digital communication message on HPV vaccine ... Outcomes were willingness to vaccinate, confidence in vaccine safety and effectiveness, message trust, and concern about HPV-related diseases.

9. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335524000755

Effectiveness of provider communication training for ... Our overall results suggest a modest decrease in HPV vaccination prevalence immediately after a brief provider communication training with clinic-level audit ...

10. journals.plos.org journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0331592

Impact of health promotion strategies on HPV vaccination uptake A recent systematic review and meta-analysis from sub-Saharan Africa showed that communication strategies substantially improve HPV vaccine uptake among ...