KEYWORD1:
School-based Adolescent Immunization

BACKGROUND:
National data indicates nearly 50% of adolescents missing immunizations. However adolescents are at high-risk for contagious diseases such as Hepatitis B, a major cause of health problems in the United States. Initial data indicated that 44.4% of RI adolescents in the senior year of high school were missing at least one dose of Hepatitis B; 29.4% were missing the Td booster and 29.5% were missing Varicella. In 2000 RI implemented Vaccinate Before You Graduate (VBYG), a free vaccination program offered to all high school seniors in RI. By working with the schools the majority of our youth can be reached and immunized while they are still eligible for vaccine purchased through the State Vaccine for Children Program.

OBJECTIVE:
To ensure that all RI youth are fully protected against vaccine preventable diseases.

METHOD:
VBYG has several components:
- Educational component teaching students about vaccine-preventable diseases and the importance of vaccination.
- Awareness component getting parents involved and ensuring consent for student vaccination.
- Vaccination clinics offering Hepatitis B; MMR; Td; Varicella; Meningococcal and IPV vaccines.
VBYG requires thorough planning and input from key participants, such as school staff, parents, and students. A program binder is provided with step-by-step guidance, technical assistance and templates for the various materials needed to carry out the program.

RESULT:
In Year131 schools participated; 7, 500 brochures were distributed and 1019 students were vaccinated (2406 shots):
453 students received Hepatitis B; 196 received MMR; 126 received Varicella; 616 received Meningitis; 291 received Td booster; 23 received IPV.
62 schools enrolled in Year 2 and the results will be later compared and analyzed.

CONCLUSION:
VBYG proved to be an effective strategy increasing immunization in adolescents and strengthening the partnership with schools.
LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:
Describe how school-based programs increase adolescent immunization coverage rates.
Learn how to engage schools in successful partnerships.