Whichever type of campaign you decide to do, every campus can help to educate their students about HPV and the HPV vaccine. In addition to some of the key facts we’ve posted here, you should try and get to know your student body and figure out where their knowledge gaps might be. In the “Communication Strategies” section, we provide a number of sample materials you can use and adapt for your campus.
Then, depending on how you’ll be promoting the vaccination (i.e., get vaccinated at an off-campus location, attend a one-day mass vaccination clinic, or visit the campus health clinic on campus to get vaccinated), you will want to ensure that you provide students with a “call to action” for where they can get the vaccine.
Note how each of these has an ACTION verb, telling students what to do next to make sure they get the vaccine:
- Stop by the campus health clinic between 8-5 pm M-F to get your HPV vaccination.
- Visit your local pharmacy to get your HPV vaccination.
- Call your health care provider to schedule your HPV vaccination.
- For more information, visit the ISDH website to find a provider in your area.
Health Initiatives Already in Place
If your campus already has health education initiatives in place, consider adding HPV education to these activities. For example, include providing HPV information at health fairs or STI (sexually transmitted infections) screening events, posting information around campus where students are used to seeing health information (e.g., hand washing signs), and using other methods that students use for information, such as the school newspaper.
Host a Screening of “Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic”
This award-winning documentary follows five women who contracted cervical cancer from HPV. Many states, including Indiana, have licensing that allows anyone to show the film for free. Additionally, you can attract local healthcare providers to the screening because continuing education credits are available.