Analysis of a Bi‐State, Multi‐District, School‐Based Hepatitis B Immunization Program

Abstract

A descriptive correlational research design assessed factors influencing participation and completion rates, and to determine vaccine administration costs, in a school-based Hepatitis B vaccination program. Of 18,046 students in public and private schools in the metropolitan Kansas City, Mo., area, 12,986 (73.4%) participated with approximately 75% of these students completing the vaccine series. Larger schools reported decreased participation and completion rates. Both rates were highest in schools providing educational interventions. Schools with a large population of commercially insured students reported low participation rates (65%), but high completion rates (85%). Schools with a high number of Medicaid-eligible students had high participation rates (97%), but low completion rates (67%). The vaccine cost $5.06 per dose to administer.

School-based HPV immunization of young adolescents: Effects of two brief health interventions

“…6,7 Thus, it is not surprising that most US parents support SBHC immunization programs 8,9 and that these programs have been shown to increase immunization rates among socially disadvantaged youth. [9][10][11][12] SBHC's procedures for administering immunizations vary according to state, health center, and immunization type, i.e, required versus mandated. Generally, immunization is included as one of several health services that are afforded to children whose parents provide general SBHC consent.…”

School-located vaccination for adolescents: Past, present, and future and implications for HPV vaccine delivery

“…23 Most programs reported coverage rates of approximately 40-50% (range 7-73%), with elementary schools reporting higher rates than middle or high schools. Some programs reported differences in immunization rates based on socioeconomic and demographic indicators -a pattern seen in the hepatitis B experience as well, 24,20,19,25 ] while some programs found no such associations. Hull's follow up indicates that the SLV clinics have resulted in a positive impact on preventing school absenteeism from school due to flu illness.…”

“…16 In Hawaii, the program costs for administering the vaccine (excluding cost of the vaccine itself) were also within reason ($13.98 per dose), 18 and in Kansas City, administration cost per dose was found to be $5.06 (including the cost of volunteers and excluding the cost of vaccine). 20 -group incentives that tap into peer pressure such as a pizza party for the class with the highest consent/refusal rates were noted to be helpful. 16 In one study, schools nurses report obtaining parental consent as one of the most significant barriers to immunization in the schools and suggested the use of such incentives to help increase adolescent student participation rates.…”

“…20,22 -Vaccine and administration provided for free to all participants is a strong incentive for parents.…”

“…Similar results were noted in New Mexico, Delaware, and Kansas City. 20 Uptake of vaccines provided during targeted vaccination campaigns for catch-up among older children and young adolescents clearly have potential to reach and protect large numbers of youth.…”