Rural HPV Vaccination Coverage

 August Quarterly Updates Meeting

The quarterly updates meeting on efforts to improve rural HPV vaccination coverage will take place on August 21 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time. The event will feature a presentation by Jason Semprini, PhD, Assistant Professor at Des Moines University. Dr. Semprini's research provides the first analysis of HPV cancer data from 2015 to 2020, building on the Zahnd et al. publication from 2018, which reviewed cancer registry data from 1995 to 2013. Sara Lolley, MPH, program manager of Immunization Initiatives at the American Academy of Pediatrics, will also join the meeting to share updates on the American Academy of Pediatrics communication campaign aimed at improving HPV vaccination rates in rural communities. Additionally, our St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program will highlight the latest developments regarding six priority action steps for enhancing rural HPV vaccination coverage.

Register here.

Addressing Cancer Control and Care in Rural Communities:

A National Rural Cancer Control Conference 

The National Rural Cancer Control Conference occurred at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center on August 8-9. The event explored challenges and advancements in rural cancer care, covering research strategies, workforce issues, cancer screening, post-COVID cancer trends, and digital health innovations.

During the session on "Eliminating HPV-Related Cancers: Implementation and Policy Initiatives," moderated by Electra Paskett, PhD, the St. Jude HPV Program presented "Enhancing HPV Vaccination in Rural Communities: Strategies and Successes of the HPV Cancer Prevention Program." This session also included presentations on advancing new approaches in HPV-related cancer prevention and addressing cervical cancer elimination as a public health issue through the Alabama Operation Wipe Out initiative. Other conference presentations on HPV addressed the use of HPV self-collection methods for cervical cancer screening in specific populations.

This event provided a unique platform for participants to network, learn, and contribute to improving cancer care accessibility in rural communities.

National Immunization Conference

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hosted the National Immunization Conference (NIC) 2024 from August 12-14 in Atlanta, marking the first NIC since 2018. This three-day event brought together over 1,500 immunization professionals from both the public and private sectors, focusing on the latest developments in science, policy, education, and implementation related to immunization and vaccine-preventable diseases.

At the conference, the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program presented their findings on an initiative launched in 2023 to improve HPV vaccination rates in rural communities. This initiative, which involved gathering experts to identify six key action steps, has made significant progress through virtual seminars, webpage updates, and communication campaigns. Their rural-focused newsletter, "Wide Open Spaces," now reaches over 4,262 contacts, showcasing the success of their diverse dissemination strategies in advancing HPV vaccination coverage. Read the June, July, and August articles to stay informed on the latest updates and initiatives.

One of the notable sessions at the conference addressed the specific challenges that rural populations encounter in terms of vaccine access, demand, and uptake. During this session, the ACS and ACS National HPV Vaccination Roundtable presented their initiatives focused on "HPV vaccination in rural communities." Among the initiatives described included the ACS team involvement in the “Rural Think Tank” organized by St. Jude in 2023 and their contribution to executing the six priority action steps. Furthermore, the ACS established the Rural HPV Vaccination Learning Community, which equips healthcare providers in rural areas with the necessary training and resources to improve HPV vaccination rates.

Register for the remaining monthly rural learning community sessions here.

May 2024 Quarterly Updates Meeting

On May 22, 2024, the Rural HPV Vaccination quarterly updates meeting was held, featuring presentations by Cristóbal Valdebenito from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Jason Semprini, PhD, from the University of Iowa, Ha Ngan Vu, PhD, from Northwestern University, Kiara Long from the American Cancer Society, and Shillpa Naavaal, PhD, from Virginia Commonwealth University.

St. Jude provided updates on six priority action steps to increase HPV vaccination in rural areas. These included starting vaccinations at age 9, featuring resources and training for providers, enhancing communication strategies, and addressing policy and advocacy needs, particularly around provider reimbursement. Data collection efforts are also being updated to reflect current rural HPV vaccination coverage and cancer rates.

Dr. Semprini highlighted the widening disparity in HPV-associated cancer rates between urban and rural areas, with rural rates now surpassing urban ones. Ha Ngan Vu, PhD, Shillpa Naavaal, PhD, and Kiara Long shared findings from a qualitative study on HPV vaccination challenges and solutions in rural Virginia, Illinois, and South Carolina. The study emphasized the importance of engaging trusted community leaders, expanding vaccination locations, and utilizing peer education to overcome barriers.

Access the recording of the May 22 meeting here.

Cancer Cabinet Community Conversations:
Improving cancer outcomes—Bringing research to rural communities

On July 10, the National Cancer Institute hosted a virtual roundtable as part of the White House Cancer Cabinet Community Conversations series, moderated by Shobha Srinivasan, PhD senior advisor for health disparities, National Cancer Institute, and featuring presenters Gary Doolittle, MD, University of Kansas, Radim Moravec, PhD, National Cancer Institute, Robin Vanderpool, PhD, branch chief of the Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch (HCIRB,) and Bettina Drake, PhD, professor of surgery at Washington University at St. Louis. The virtual discussion, attended by more than 200 participants, focused on enhancing cancer care in rural areas, emphasizing telehealth and the importance of strong community and governmental partnerships. The strategies focused on extension programs for education, integrating navigation assistance, and implementing online consent forms for clinical trials. The session highlighted the need for equity and collaboration in rural cancer care.

Access the recording on YouTube here.

AAP Communication Campaign

Throughout May, the American Academy of Pediatrics partnered with social media influencers to post informative content about the HPV vaccine. Influencers, who were all parents themselves, shared their own reasons for getting their children vaccinated and encouraged their audiences to do the same. Viewers were directed to HealthyChildren.org web pages with more information on the HPV vaccine and were encouraged to call their pediatrician with questions and to schedule vaccine appointments. The content was posted on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube and included reels, stories, posts, and YouTube shorts. The campaign targeted rural areas of the U.S. by working with influencers based in different areas of the country with varying demographics among their established audiences.

More updates will be shared during the August 21, Preventing HPV Cancers with Rural Communities: Updates and Opportunities meeting. Register here.

Funding Opportunity: Research to Address Vaccine Uptake and Implementation among Populations Experiencing Health Disparities

The National Cancer Institute and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, under the National Institutes of Health, have issued a Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) for research aimed at addressing vaccine hesitancy, uptake, and implementation among populations experiencing health disparities. This initiative encourages community-engaged research to evaluate strategies that facilitate vaccination uptake in both clinical and community contexts. Key research questions focus on effective interventions to increase vaccine reach, acceptance, and completion among health disparity populations, targeting individual beliefs, integrating innovative technologies, and promoting culturally appropriate communications.
Applications must address NIH-designated health disparity populations and involve formal collaborations with tribal governments, medical centers, community-based organizations, and other relevant entities. The funding is flexible, with a maximum project period of five years, and investigators are encouraged to consult with program staff before submission. Proposals should be submitted by June 6, 2026, indicating they are in response to the NOSI.

Learn more about this NOSI here.

Benefits, challenges, and strategies related to using presumptive recommendations for HPV vaccination: A qualitative study with rural and non-rural-serving primary care professionals (PCPs)

Odebunmi et al. (2024) examined North Carolina primary care professionals' experiences. While many found presumptive recommendations effective for HPV vaccination, challenges included building trust with hesitant parents. PCPs adapted their strategies using open-ended discussions and additional education. The study underscored the need for culturally sensitive communication and suggested combining presumptive recommendations with other techniques to enhance HPV vaccine uptake.

Implementation of a Cancer Education Program in Rural Counties with the Lowest HPV Vaccination Rates and Health Rankings

Arezo et al. (2024) described the Schooling Cancer Program (SCP), developed in partnership with the local Cancer Research and Resource Center in rural Virginia. The program educated middle school students about HPV, cancer prevention, and healthy lifestyles. Post-evaluation surveys showed increased awareness, with 87% recognizing the cancer risks associated with tobacco use and 80% correctly identifying HPV as the most common STI. This initiative highlighted the importance of tailored health education in rural areas to improve HPV vaccination rates and overall health outcomes.

Disparities in HPV Vaccination Among Adolescents by Health Care Facility Type

Nair et al. (2024) revealed notable disparities in HPV vaccination rates among U.S. adolescents. Those treated at public health facilities are less likely to start and complete the HPV vaccine series and receive clinician recommendations compared to those at private facilities. This underscored the need for focused efforts to enhance vaccination rates in public health settings.

Website: stjude.org/hpvrural
Wide Open Spaces articles are available at stjude.org/hpvrural – read the latest article here
Preventing HPV Cancers in Rural Communities fact sheet
Preventing HPV Cancers with Rural Communities: Updates and Opportunities
May 2024 Quarterly update recording and newsletter
February 2024 Quarterly update recording and newsletter
November 2023: Preventing HPV Cancers with Rural Communities recording and newsletter
March 2023: Improving HPV Cancer Prevention with Rural Communities recording
January 2023: St. Jude Rural HPV Vaccination Introductory Meeting recording and materials

About the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program

The vision of the HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a world free of HPV cancers. The program aims to reduce HPV cancer deaths locally and nationally by increasing on-time HPV vaccination coverage through education, promoting best practice models, and strategic partner engagement locally, regionally, and nationally. The program is committed to ensuring equitable access to HPV cancer prevention, which includes a specific focus on geographic disparities in the southeastern United States and in rural communities. Learn more about the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program at stjude.org/hpv. Contact the program at PreventHPV@stjude.org for more information.