Healthy, Immunized Communities Study

Vaccines are considered one of the greatest public health successes. Unfortunately, an
increasing rate of parental resistance in recent years has led to a reemergence of
vaccine-preventable diseases. This project seeks to determine the effect of a multi-tiered
school and community-based approach to improving rates of parental intent to vaccinate for
middle school-aged vaccinations including Human Papillomavirus (HPV), meningitis (MCV) and
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (TDap).

By randomizing participating schools, parents receiving the intervention will participate in
(1) a community-based event to raise parental awareness of the importance of vaccination and
(2) a social marketing to target parents' attitudes and knowledge around vaccinations.

The Investigators hypothesize that participation in this study will increase parental
intention to vaccinate. In addition, this study intends to improve rates of recommended
vaccination among middle school-aged children, as measured through vaccine uptake information
required for annual entry into Pennsylvania public schools.

The Penn State team brings a breadth of experience in pediatrics, community-engaged research,
adolescent health, and engagement with schools.

Inclusion Criteria

- 18 years or older

- Parents and guardians of children who attend a School District of Lancaster middle
schools

- Individuals who read and understand English

- Individuals with an email address

Exclusion Criteria

- Individuals who are non-English speaking

- Parents/Guardians <18 years or older who do not have children attending a middle
school in the School District of Lancaster

- Individuals who do not have an email address

- Individuals who plan on moving out of the Lancaster City area in the next year