Student Name
Capella University
NURS-FPX4055 Optimizing Population Health through Community Practice
Prof. Name:
Date
Good morning and thank you all for attending today’s session. We are excited to host this collaborative effort, which focuses on the prevention of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among adolescents and young adults, aged 11 to 26, in the Schwenksville, Pennsylvania community. This session aims to increase awareness about HPV’s cancer risks, highlight the benefits of early vaccination, and provide actionable strategies to empower individuals when discussing HPV immunization with family members and healthcare professionals. The structure of this presentation is aligned with the SMART objectives we previously agreed upon, as well as the broader goals of the Healthy People 2030 initiative.
To guide our discussion, this presentation will follow a clear and purposeful roadmap. We will begin by outlining key facts about HPV, including its mode of transmission and links to various cancers. Next, we will explore the safety and benefits of the HPV vaccine, particularly when administered early. We will also engage participants in a commitment-building activity to schedule their vaccination within 30 days. Furthermore, the session will offer techniques for discussing vaccination with trusted sources and wrap up with a short quiz and survey to assess comprehension and confidence.
HPV is a highly contagious virus, primarily transmitted through sexual contact. While many infections clear on their own, persistent high-risk strains like HPV 16 and 18 can cause cellular changes that may progress to cancers, including cervical, anal, throat, and genital cancers (Huber et al., 2021). In rural Pennsylvania, such as Schwenksville, HPV vaccination rates are especially low—only 48.7% in some areas—despite high cancer risk (PA.gov, 2025). Increasing vaccination rates through education and advocacy is therefore a public health priority.
Administering the HPV vaccine before exposure—ideally between ages 11 and 12—maximizes its protective effects. At younger ages, the immune system responds more vigorously, offering long-lasting protection against HPV-related health issues (Hoes et al., 2021). Early vaccination is thus both an individual and community health strategy.
Cervical cancer, the second most common cancer in women worldwide, can largely be prevented through early immunization against high-risk HPV types (Huber et al., 2021). Vaccinating young girls reduces future cancer incidence, improving long-term outcomes. The vaccine also helps prevent other cancers, such as penile, anal, and oropharyngeal, affecting both men and women (Cheng et al., 2020).
Beyond cancer, the vaccine protects against genital warts caused by non-cancerous strains of HPV, reducing both physical symptoms and social stigma. A broader benefit of adolescent vaccination is community-wide protection. When more individuals are immunized, overall virus transmission decreases, leading to herd immunity that shields even the unvaccinated or immunocompromised (Xu et al., 2024).
The session’s learning goals, framed as SMART objectives, focused on raising knowledge, promoting vaccine scheduling, and building confidence for health discussions. The first goal—ensuring 90% of participants identify three or more HPV facts—was surpassed with a 92.5% success rate. Interactive discussions supported this learning achievement. For the second goal, 75% committed to scheduling the vaccine within 30 days. While close, this fell short of the 80% target. Finally, 85% of participants reported increased confidence in discussing vaccination, meeting the third goal.
Challenges included participants needing more time to consult families before making vaccination commitments. Some expressed discomfort addressing myths without additional support. Suggested improvements include adding family engagement time during the session, integrating role-play for myth-busting, and offering follow-up meetings. These additions could enhance decision-making and vaccine uptake.
From a public health perspective, this session aligned well with the Healthy People 2030 objectives, especially in raising HPV awareness and confidence in preventive care (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). However, the lower-than-expected vaccine commitment rate indicates the need for deeper myth education and stronger engagement strategies. Future sessions should focus on evidence-based reassurance and community involvement to bridge these gaps and better meet national immunization goals.
Heading | Key Concepts | Supporting Data / Strategy |
---|---|---|
Health Promotion Plan Presentation | Introduces HPV prevention for adolescents/young adults in Schwenksville, PA | Uses SMART goals and Healthy People 2030 objectives to guide education |
 | HPV linked to various cancers; low vaccination in rural areas | 48.7% HPV vaccination in rural PA; HPV types 16/18 linked to cervical and genital cancers |
 | Emphasizes early education, family dialogue, and provider engagement | Quiz and interactive session assess understanding and encourage health advocacy |
Benefits of Timely HPV Vaccination | Early vaccination boosts immune response and long-term protection | Ages 11–12 ideal for vaccine (Hoes et al., 2021) |
 | Prevents cervical and other HPV-related cancers | Cervical cancer preventable with early vaccine (Huber et al., 2021); protects men and women |
 | Contributes to herd immunity and reduces genital warts | Reduces virus spread and stigma (Xu et al., 2024) |
Session Evaluation and Healthy People 2030 | 92.5% learned 3+ HPV facts; 75% scheduled vaccination; 85% felt confident in discussions | Shortfall in scheduling shows need for more family and myth-busting resources |
 | Recommendations for improvement include role-play, family involvement, and follow-ups | Reinforces vaccine benefits and strengthens community health commitment |
 | Session aligned with national vaccination objectives despite minor gaps | Continual improvement needed to meet Healthy People 2030 fully (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.) |
Cheng, L., Wang, Y., & Du, J. (2020). Human papillomavirus vaccines: An updated review. Vaccines, 8(3), 391. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines8030391
Hoes, J., Pasmans, H., Schurink-van ’t Klooster, T. M., van der Klis, F. R. M., Donken, R., Berkhof, J., & de Melker, H. E. (2021). Review of long-term immunogenicity following HPV vaccination: Gaps in current knowledge. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2021.1908059
Huber, J., Mueller, A., Sailer, M., & Regidor, P.-A. (2021). Human papillomavirus persistence or clearance after infection in reproductive age. What is the status? Review of the literature and new data of a vaginal gel containing silicate dioxide, citric acid, and selenite. Women’s Health, 17, 174550652110207. https://doi.org/10.1177/17455065211020702
Kassymbekova, F., Zhetpisbayeva, I., Tcoy, E., Dyussenov, R., Davletov, K., Rommel, A., & Glushkova, N. (2023). Exploring HPV vaccine knowledge, attitudes, barriers and information sources among parents, health professionals and teachers in Kazakhstan: A mixed-methods study protocol. BMJ Open, 13(9), e074097. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074097
PA.gov. (2025). Dear VFC provider. https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/health/documents/topics/documents/programs/immunizations/3.3.25%20-%202025%20HPV%20Call-to-Action%20Letter%20and%20Resources.pdf
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Vaccination – Healthy People 2030. Health.gov. https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/vaccination
Xu, M., Choi, J., Capasso, A., & DiClemente, R. (2024). Improving HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents in low-resource settings: Sociocultural and socioeconomic barriers and facilitators. Adolescent Health Medicine and Therapeutics, 15, 73–82. https://doi.org/10.2147/ahmt.s394119
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