Improving Vaccination Compliance Through a School-Located Vaccination Clinic

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Medicine
• Healthcare Administration

Background:

• Post-COVID-19 pandemic, school nurses face challenges in maintaining vaccine compliance due to increased hesitancy.
• The Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) supports initiatives to improve childhood immunization rates.
• School-located vaccination clinics (SLVCs) are emerging as a key strategy to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the operational model of the Santa Fe Public Schools district's (SFPS) school-located vaccination clinic (SLVC).
• To identify challenges encountered during the implementation and operation of the SFPS SLVC.
• To provide recommendations for other school districts aiming to establish similar vaccination programs.

Main Methods:

• The SFPS SLVC operates through the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC).
• Data on vaccine administration from 2023-2025 are presented.
• Operational aspects, challenges, and mitigation strategies are discussed.

Main Results:

• The SFPS SLVC administered 2,524 vaccines to students between 2023 and 2025.
• The clinic continues to provide essential immunizations throughout the school year.
• Key barriers to vaccine compliance and successful mitigation strategies are identified.

Conclusions:

• SLVCs are effective in increasing vaccine compliance among students.
• Effective communication, incentivization, and social media engagement are crucial for overcoming vaccine hesitancy.
• The SFPS SLVC model offers valuable insights for other districts seeking to implement school-based immunization programs.