A Multifaceted Approach to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Uptake among Adolescents Ages 10-14 in a Public Health Clinic

Author

• Amy T. Norris, Jacksonville State UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Summer 2026

Document Type

DNP Executive Summary

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner

Department

Nursing

Faculty Chair

Dr. Kimberly D. Helms, DHEd, MSN, RN, CNE, COI, CFD

Preceptor

Dr. Cynthia Carter DNP/HSL, MSN/Ed, BSN, RN

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and a leading cause of several preventable cancers. Although the HPV vaccine is safe, highly effective, and routinely recommended for adolescents, vaccination rates remain below national targets, particularly in rural and public health settings. Multiple internal and external factors contribute to low HPV vaccination rates in public health settings.

Purpose: The Doctor of Nursing Practice quality improvement project aimed to increase HPV vaccine uptake through the implementation of a multifaceted, evidence-based intervention.

Project Design: Guided by Pender’s Health Promotion Model and the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance Framework, the quality improvement project compared pre- and post-intervention data. Interventions addressed clinic workflows, electronic health record prompts, provider training on HPV vaccine recommendations, a vaccine champion, and parent education materials.

Results: After excluding adolescents who had previously completed the HPV vaccine series and those receiving a subsequent dose, 16 of 22 eligible patients (72.7%) initiated the HPV vaccination series. Compared with prior years, overall vaccine uptake increased from 29.8% in 2023, 17.65% in 2024, and 5.88% in 2025 to 53.3% during the intervention period.

Conclusion: Implementation of a standardized, evidence-based workflow improved HPV vaccine initiation and reduced missed opportunities in a public health clinic. The results indicate that structured processes and consistent provider communication are effective strategies for improving preventive care outcomes and supporting long-term population health.

Keywords: HPV vaccination rates, education, safety, United States, providers, and adolescents

Recommended Citation

Norris, Amy T., "A Multifaceted Approach to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Uptake among Adolescents Ages 10-14 in a Public Health Clinic" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 146.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/etds_nursing/146