Abstract C168: Evaluating a community-engaged strategy to increase HPV vaccination access in rural communities

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with at least six types of cancer, yet many rural communities face persistent barriers to HPV vaccination, including limited healthcare access, transportation challenges, and fewer opportunities for preventive care. In response, the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center launched the HPV Vaccination Mobile Unit Program to expand access to evidence-based cancer prevention services in economically challenged regions. A key driver of the program’s success has been its commitment to meaningful community engagement. Guided by principles of collaboration, transparency, and sustainability, program leaders developed a multi-level partnership model involving school districts, local health departments, youth-serving organizations, and regional health coalitions. Through intentional outreach and co-developed implementation strategies, partners helped ensure mobile vaccination events aligned with local priorities and community needs. Long-term sustainability was prioritized from the outset. The program strengthened existing partnerships, expanded its network of collaborators, and implemented strategies to support continued service delivery. Sustainability efforts included integrating mobile vaccination clinics into annual school-based calendars, leveraging community health educators and school nurses as trusted advocates for HPV vaccination, maintaining existing funding streams, and securing additional sources of support. These efforts resulted in substantial and measurable growth. Over four years, the program expanded from 15 partners across 16 counties to 50 partners serving 31 counties, significantly increasing access to HPV vaccination in rural South Carolina. The program reached counties without pediatric healthcare providers, achieved strong engagement among rural and minority adolescents, and delivered services in communities with some of the state’s highest Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) scores. Participating counties experienced improvements in HPV vaccination uptake, while partner feedback highlighted increased trust, stronger collaboration, improved coordination of services, and greater awareness of HPV-related cancer prevention. This community-engaged model demonstrates a scalable and sustainable approach to reducing HPV vaccination disparities and advancing cancer prevention in rural and high-SVI communities. Marvella E. Ford, Kathleen Cartmell, Paul Nietert, Angela Malek, Carter Richardson, Le Phuong, Chloe Keeve, Joie Zabec, Susanna Hoffman, I'Ayana Sanders, Melanie Slan, Joan McLauren, Ellen Gomez, Mina Platt, Jessica Zserai, Beth Poore, Chrisstina Cody, Victoria Ladd, Mary Beattie, David Sudduth, Kapri Kreps, Maritere Nazario, Henry Lemon, James Roberts. Evaluating a community-engaged strategy to increase HPV vaccination access in rural communities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 19th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2026 Oct 18-21; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2026;35(10 Suppl):Abstract nr C168.