Vaccines

School nurses play critical role in HPV vaccination promotion and compliance

tthoma8 — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 14:35:30 +0000

School nurses play critical role in HPV vaccination promotion and compliance tthoma8 Mon, 02/05/2024 - 09:35

In This Story

Each year, an estimated 13 million Americans are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV. The CDC recommends children ages 11–12 years should get two doses of HPV vaccine, given 6 to 12 months apart before contact with the HPV virus, yet fewer than 60% of adolescents have been vaccinated against HPV. School nurses are uniquely situated to be at the forefront of preventing HPV-related cancers through promoting timely vaccination among children and adolescents.

Kim McNally, a PhD in Public Health student, is a school nurse and knows first-hand the vital role school nurses play in adolescent HPV vaccination efforts.

School nurses are on the front lines promoting the health of children, educating and encouraging both children and parents on the benefits of immunizations. Given their proximity to adolescents, school nurses are in the prime position to administer vaccinations and ensure proper adherence to vaccine series schedules, including the HPV vaccine. Understanding how to best support school nurses allows them to incorporate other evidence-based strategies to increase HPV vaccine uptake.

In a novel systematic literature review of school nurses' experiences and attitudes, McNally used evidence-based models to understand and analyze the factors that influence school nurses’ ability to promote the HPV vaccine. “There is limited knowledge about the vital role that school nurses play in HPV vaccinations. Improving awareness and supporting our efforts can have a significant impact on increasing vaccination rates,” said McNally.

Amira Roess, professor of global health and epidemiology in the College of Public Health, is Kim’s thesis committee advisor and stated that “having school nurses engage in high-quality research like what Kim has done, is crucial to identifying realistic solutions to improve vaccine coverage.”

McNally synthesized findings from 28 global research articles, comprising observational and descriptive studies, surveys, and interviews and focus groups. Results found that nurses experience complex challenges to facilitate conversations and implementation of HPV vaccination.

“There are several complex factors that impact nursing practice. Nurses have good vaccine knowledge and positive attitudes, but poor workflow processes, competing demands, and difficulties communicating about vaccines challenge school nurses' ability to do their job fully,” McNally said.

Other nurses identified challenges like their students’ fear of needles and nurses’ limited ability to create relationships with families. Broader barriers such as inconsistent school-based health interventions, disproportionate HPV vaccination promotion for females over males, and varying vaccine laws were also forces outside of nurses’ control.

Using findings from the literature review, McNally offers practical implications for how practitioners, researchers, and policymakers can advance public health efforts to reduce HPV-related cancers by supporting school nurses. McNally recommends training nurses on vaccine safety and efficacy, teaching strategies to engage with parents and guardians, providing schools with the necessary resources to administer vaccines, and advocating for policies that support accessible vaccinations as actionable steps to support nurses and increase HPV vaccination.

School Nurses’ Experiences and Roles in Promoting and Administering the HPV Vaccine: A Systematic Review Using the Socioecological Framework was first published online in The Journal of School Nursing in October 2023. Ali Weinstein, professor in the Department of Global and Community Health and a Senior Scholar in the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, was also a contributing author. Additional co-authors are Lisa Lindley, an associate professor in the Department of Community and Population Health at Leigh University’s College of Health, and Robin Wallin, School Health Services Coordinator in the Department of Student Services within the Arlington Public Schools.

Topics

Cancer Prevention and Control

Child and Adolescent Health

public health research

Congresswoman Wexton, Delegate Roem, and Mayor Rishell Visit Mason Vaccine Clinic in Prince William

mthomp7 — Thu, 13 May 2021 23:39:43 +0000

Congresswoman Wexton, Delegate Roem, and Mayor Rishell Visit Mason Vaccine Clinic in Prince William mthomp7 Thu, 05/13/2021 - 19:39

In This Story

Robert M. Weiler, PhD, MPH

Elected officials recognize Mason’s contribution to fighting COVID and thank nurses and staff.

On May 6, U.S. Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA 10^th District), Delegate Danica Roem (D-VA 13^th District), and Manassas Mayor Jeanette Rishell (D) visited the COVID-19 vaccination clinic located at the Manassas Park Community Center. The vaccination clinic, operated by the George Mason University School of Nursing and the Mason and Partner (MAP) Clinics, have vaccinated more than 22,305 residents since the vaccine became available in January 2021, predominantly serving under-represented and uninsured populations.

Wexton, Roem, and Rishell thanked the nurses and staff running the vaccination site and spoke with clinic coordinator Bridget Jennison about George Mason and the MAP Clinics’ vaccination efforts. “The MAP Clinics are pleased to help greater Prince William fight COVID by offering vaccination clinics and partnering with the Prince William Health Department to reach as many people as possible,” said Jennison.

More than 1,000 doses were administered the day of the officials’ visit, though Jennison explained that the number of vaccinations was slowing down. Jennison indicated that the next wave of vaccinations would be for 12-15 year-olds (approved by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use on May 10 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on May 12) and those who may be harder to reach because of hesitancy or other factors. Jennison, Wexton, Roem, and Rishell discussed opportunities to work together to increase vaccination rates in the Prince William community and expressed optimism for continued and successful progress.

“I am very impressed with the MAP Clinic’s commitment to the greater Prince William community and am thankful for their help vaccinating so many residents. I am particularly pleased that the MAP Clinics were able to use Cares Act funding to secure vaccine freezers and other equipment to help our residents get vaccinated as quickly as possible,” said Congresswoman Wexton.

“It is important that elected officials understand the vital services provided by the Mason MAP Clinic in Manassas Park. This is so that we not only get our constituents vaccinated, but we communicate the message to constituents that may also have additional health needs and letting them know that the MAP Clinic is here to help them. Seeing first-hand the vaccination progress gives me hope that we are going to get close to that 70% vaccination level by July 4 in our community. We have incredibly dedicated public and civil servants doing their part to make sure that we get there,” said Delegate Roem.

During the visit, Wexton also spoke with Robert Weiler, senior associate dean for academic affairs for Mason’s College of Health and Human Services regarding Mason’s strategic initiative to become the first college of public health in Virginia. “Mason is ready to bring a college of public health to Virginia that will focus on preparing highly specialized public health researchers, practitioners, and leaders who can respond to existing, evolving, and emerging health problems in the region and throughout the Commonwealth,” said Weiler. Virginia is currently one of only 15 states that does not have an accredited college of public health. George Mason currently offers three accredited public health degrees: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Community Health, Master of Public Health (MPH) with six concentrations, and a PhD in Public Health.

The MAP Clinics are funded by the College of Health and Human Services School of Nursing and through Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grants, as well as funding from the Potomac Health Foundation, and Northern Virginia Health Foundation. The MAP Clinic model is based on an academic-practice partnership model to help translate best evidence into practice at scale for the largest possible impact in the community.

Topics

MAP Clinic

Mason and Partners (MAP)

Vaccines

coronavirus; covid-19

CHHS News

Virginia First Lady Pamela Northam Visits COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic to Thank Front-Line Early Childhood Educators and Clinic Organizers

mthomp7 — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 22:28:47 +0000

Virginia First Lady Pamela Northam Visits COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic to Thank Front-Line Early Childhood Educators and Clinic Organizers mthomp7 Tue, 02/23/2021 - 17:28

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Topics

MAP Clinic

Mason and Partners (MAP)

coronavirus; covid-19

In This Story

Caroline Sutter, DNP

Rebecca Sutter, DNP, APRN, BC-FNP

George Mason University Mason and Partners Clinic, Prince William Health District, and Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William partner to vaccinate more than 1,400 people.

On February 23, First Lady Pamela Northam visited a vaccination clinic in Manassas Park to recognize the heroic efforts of early childhood educators. “Early childhood educators have truly been unsung heroes throughout this pandemic allowing other frontline workers to remain on the job. We are grateful for organizations like Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William, the Mason and Partner Clinics, and the Prince William Health District whose collaboration makes reaching this important group possible,” said Northam.

Northam issues ImagiNation staff Thompson and Bloom a First Lady Challenge coin.

At the event, Northam met Anaysha Bloom and Lacreshia Thompson lead pre-school teachers from ImagiNation Learning Center in Gainesville. “I chose to get the vaccine not only for myself and my family but to also keep my co-workers and most importantly the children in my care safe,” said Thompson. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to receive the vaccine and for child care providers to be made a priority to receive it,” said Bloom. When the First Lady asked what was their biggest challenge, both replied “Getting [four year-olds] to social distance.”

Virginia’s early childhood educators were among those deemed essential workers in April of 2020. Many early childhood education centers, including ImagiNation Learning Center, have remained open throughout the pandemic, providing continuity of care and allowing families who rely on these providers to return to work. Early childhood educators are part of Phase 1b for Virginia’s COVID-19 Vaccination plan– however many in this population were not aware they were eligible for a vaccine.

To help raise awareness and increase vaccination rates in Greater Prince William, Mason and Partner (MAP) Clinics, Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William (SBGPW), and the Prince William Health District (PWHD) partnered to schedule more than 1,400 appointments with early childhood educators over the course of seven days. On the day of the First Lady’s visit, more than 500 first doses and 150 second doses were administered.

“In just one week, we have contacted more than 350 early childhood education centers to let them know that they fall into Phase 1b and are eligible for the COVID vaccine. Organizing these clinics for those who educate our youngest children has been the most rewarding work I’ve done since COVID began. Having our front-line workers vaccinated is a critical first step in more people resuming in-person activities,” said Kathy Channell, Chairperson, Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William. Channell and her teammates Debi Stepien, Vice Chair, Gina Parr, Secretary and Tawnya Soltis, Executive Director, are all volunteers and helped make the hundreds of phone calls required to pull-off this massive event.

School of Nursing and Health Administration and Policy students pictured here play a critical role in staffing the clinics and gain valuable experience at the same time.

To date, the MAP Clinics have delivered more than 2,916 vaccines to early childhood educators, so were a natural partner for SMBGPW. “The community has really joined together to help this vital and often vulnerable population get vaccinated,” said Dr. Becki Sutter, co-director of the MAP Clinics and faculty at George Mason University’s College of Health and Human Services. “The MAP Clinics are proud to partner with the PW Health District and Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William to raise awareness among early education centers and immunize nearly 3,000 people through these vaccination events over four weeks.”

Collaborators from ImagiNation, Mason, Mason and Partners Clinics, Prince William Health District, and Smartbeginnings Greater Prince William pose with First Lady Northam.

Collaborations such as this have helped the Prince William Health Department expand its vaccination program and to reach individuals who may be unaware that they are eligible or are hesitant to be immunized. “PWHD is building creative solutions and working with our community partners to vaccinate as many eligible residents as quickly as possible. This collaboration has helped engage and inform early childhood educators and we look forward to more events like this one,” said District Director for PWHD, Dr. Allison Ansher.

Mason faculty, staff, and alumni are integral to the success of the vaccination events as are CHHS students from across disciplines. Health Administration and Policy students manage health records and senior nursing students administer vaccines.

The City of Manassas Park has supported on-going vaccination events by providing space and logistical support. “We’re proud to provide with much-needed space and parking so the vaccination clinics can achieve their weekly vaccination goal,” said Loren Luck, marketing and communications manager for Manassas Park.

About the Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics
George Mason University's Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics are free clinics that serve low-income, uninsured, and refugee communities within Prince William and Fairfax counties in Northern Virginia. Faculty and staff at the MAP Clinics have partnered with the Prince William Health District to vaccinate eligible residents through on-going clinics. The Clinics have vaccinated thousands of individuals to date and this number continues to grow. Information about vaccine eligibility and scheduling can be found at https://vaccinate.virginia.gov/.

The MAP Clinics are interprofessional clinics located in Manassas, Springfield, and Culmore. The Clinics provide health care, school physicals, screenings, and mental health services for vulnerable populations located in low income and medically underserved areas (MUA). The ambulatory clinics provide to the community referrals, resources, and case management for medical home placement; wellness and integrated care workshops; and group care for chronic disease management and education.

About Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William (SBGPW)
Smart Beginnings Greater Prince William (SBGPW), is a program under the PWCS Education Foundation SPARK (the 501c3). SBGPW serves the City of Manassas, the City of Manassas Park, and Prince William communities as an organization solely focused on birth through five-year old’s in preparing them for a successful start to kindergarten and life.

As part of a statewide network of Smart Beginnings, SBGPW serves with assistance and guidance from Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF). This approach allows local efforts to be individualized, while working in harmony with other communities to achieve results throughout Virginia.

About the Prince William Health District
The Prince William Health District (PWHD) operates multiple programs to protect and improve the health and well-being of its residents. Services provided include: immunizations; environmental health services, including restaurant and pool inspections; family planning services; confidential diagnosis, treatment, and counseling for sexually transmitted diseases; tuberculin testing and diagnostic chest x-rays; confidential HIV testing and early intervention services; nutritional education and food vouchers for women, infants, and children (WIC) clients; processing of birth and death certificates.

Mason and Partner Clinics Support COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics in Prince William County for Eligible Residents in Phases 1a and 1b

mthomp7 — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 23:25:23 +0000

Mason and Partner Clinics Support COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics in Prince William County for Eligible Residents in Phases 1a and 1b mthomp7 Tue, 02/09/2021 - 18:25

Donate Today to Support the MAP Clinics

Topics

CHHS

College of Health and Human Services

College of Health and Human Services School of Nursing

College of Health and Human Services Department of Health Administration and Policy

Public Health

College of Health and Human Services Department of Social Work

coronavirus; covid-19

In This Story

Rebecca Sutter, DNP, APRN, BC-FNP

MAP Clinics Vaccinate Nearly 2,900 Eligible Prince William County Residents

Note that all appointments and vaccine availability are managed through the Prince William County Health Department.

What is the best way to celebrate successfully vaccinating more than 2,885 Phase 1a and 1b residents of Prince William County over a three-week period? Vaccinate several thousand more residents, of course.

To achieve this goal, faculty and staff at the Mason and Partner (MAP) Clinic are stepping up the number of clinics so they can rapidly and efficiently distribute all the vaccine doses they receive from various sources like Prince William Health Department (PWHD) and Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. The MAP Clinic’s goal is to vaccinate all eligible members of the community in Phase 1a and 1b, particularly those that have chronic conditions and are from high-risk populations, and to ensure that no doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine go to waste.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the MAP Clinic will offer immunizations by appointment only. Residents of Manassas Park and Prince William County who are 65 or older can make an appointment by calling PWHD at 703-872-7759.

Mason students in health administration, health informatics, nursing, global and community health, and social work play an integral role in running the clinics along with Mason faculty and staff.
Photo Credit: Evan Cantwell

The City of Manassas Park is providing logistical and facilities support for the growing number of vaccine events. “Our at-risk residents are fortunate and very appreciative to have access to a local vaccine clinic right here in our City limits,” said Loren Luck, marketing and communications manager for Manassas Park. “We’ve been able to expand the vaccination efforts with much-needed space and parking so the clinics can achieve their weekly vaccination goal and abide by social distancing requirements. Our relationship with the MAP Clinic goes beyond Covid-19 testing and vaccines – we’re thankful for the many years of services the MAP Clinic has provided to our community.”

“Offering vaccinations at the MAP Clinics is an excellent example of academic and community partnership. We can deliver evidence-based best practices to benefit the community and provide students with valuable learning experiences,” says Rebecca Sutter, assistant professor and co-director of the MAP Clinics.

community value, the Clinics provide a rich learning experience and hands-on experience in fighting a pandemic.

“Community engagement like supporting the vaccination clinics is an essential component of public health, and I’m delighted that students and faculty from our School of Nursing and other departments have stepped up to help. The College is proud to have longstanding relationships in Prince William County and throughout Northern Virginia. We are vested in promoting health for Prince William County during this pandemic and beyond,” said College of Health and Human Services Dean, Germaine Louis.

Those affiliated with Mason, including alumni, are encouraged to volunteer at the MAP Clinic Vaccination Events. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please send an email to Nora Elnahas at nelnahas@gmu.edu.