Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Over 75% of sexually active individuals will be infected in their lifetime. HPV infection is linked to multiple cancers, including cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, vulva, and penile cancers. The HPV vaccine is widely endorsed as a preventive strategy. Tiempo de Vacunarte (TdV) aims to reduce the burden of HPV-associated cancers in West Texas counties. The TdV program was developed as a multi-component, culturally-appropriate intervention to reduce the burden of HPV-associated cancers through education and providing no-cost vaccines for uninsured and underinsured community members.

Methods

TdV was implemented in El Paso County in August 2014 and expanded to include Brewster, Culberson, Hudspeth, and Presidio counties in 2019. Eligibility Criteria include individuals 9-45 years of age who have not completed the HPV vaccine series and are uninsured/underinsured with a self-reported Texas address.

TdV2 improved the original program by expanding to other border counties while continuing to partner with all 175 community sites in our network. We introduced new strategies, which included: 1) revised educational delivery strategies; 2) enhanced text message reminders for individuals needing follow-up doses as a means to increase the vaccine completion rate; 3) creation of an innovative partnership with a private pharmacy for vaccine delivery in El Paso County, thereby improving vaccine access; 4) development of a resource library consisting of a toolkit of social media strategies and messages for integration into collaborating partner’s outreach and education; and 5) implementation, adoption, and sustainability of HPV vaccine uptake strategies among our collaborating partners.

Results

Since the inception of the program, a total 2,631 vaccines have been administered, 1,461 individuals have received at least one dose and 120,871 individuals have been reached through social media.

Conclusion

The program continues to expand its collaborations throughout Texas to increase HPV vaccination rates and decrease the burden of HPV-associated cancers through traditional outreach and innovative use of social media.