Moving the Needle: A Qualitative Exploration of the School Nurses’ Experience with Virginia's Human Papillomavirus Mandate

Abstract

In all US localities, students provide proof of compliance with vaccination requirements to attend school. Despite benefits, vaccine legislation remains contentious. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for adolescents and prevents cancer, but its inclusion in school immunization requirements is challenged. Virginia was the first state to mandate HPV vaccination. HPV is the only required vaccine in VA that allows caregivers to elect out. School nurses are trusted members of communities and enforce vaccine compliance. This study aims to understand Virginia school nurses’ practice in implementing the HPV vaccine mandate through the exploration of their subjective experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis using the socioecological model guided data analysis. Factors that influence nursing practice were identified at all socioecological model levels The data from this study is intended to provide an understanding of school nursing practice so that interventions to improve HPV vaccination rates can be developed.