Evaluation of parent reminder-recall letters to promote human papillomavirus vaccination
Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake remains suboptimal. Our stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial found that reminder-recall letters sent to parents of age-eligible children significantly increased vaccine uptake compared to usual care. Subsequently, we conducted a process evaluati...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-01-01
|
| Series: | Preventive Medicine Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335524003577 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake remains suboptimal. Our stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial found that reminder-recall letters sent to parents of age-eligible children significantly increased vaccine uptake compared to usual care. Subsequently, we conducted a process evaluation to assess the mechanisms of the letter's effectiveness. This study evaluated who remembered the letter, use of provided resources, and child vaccination status. Methods: This cross-sectional evaluation included data from parents (n = 1165) of adolescents ages 11–12 from six primary care practices who received letters about their child's HPV vaccination status. From 2018 to 2022, parents were mailed reminder-recall letters and then sent questionnaires 12–15 months after receiving the letter. Questionnaires asked if parents recalled the letter, whether their child received a vaccination and, if not, reasons for not vaccinating, and attitudes and beliefs about HPV vaccination. Results: A total of 1165 of 1991 questionnaires were completed (59 %). Over half (58 %) remembered the reminder-recall letter. Compared to those not remembering the letter, those who did were significantly more likely to have had their child vaccinated (56 % versus 44 %, p < 0.05). Of those who remembered the letter but did not vaccinate, the majority reported misperceptions about their child being too young (26 %) or concerns about vaccine safety (20 %). Of those who did not remember the letter and did not vaccinate, the primary reason was not knowing the child was due for vaccination (27 %). Conclusions: Reminder-recall letters cued the majority of parents to complete HPV vaccination; however, vaccine misperceptions remain a challenge, indicating the need for additional communication strategies. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2211-3355 |