Implementation of an Influenza Immunization Campaign for Students on a College Campus: A Program Evaluation

Introduction: Influenza affected an estimated 9 to 41 million individuals from 2018 to 2023 (CDC, 2023). Despite vaccination being highly effective, rates remain low on college campuses. This project evaluated a new vaccination delivery model at a university in Northeast Florida. The Student Health Center collaborated with undergraduate nursing students and faculty to provide onsite vaccinations via mobile clinics across campus during the influenza season, following the CDC Framework for Program Evaluation. Methods: A retrospective review of the influenza vaccination campaign was conducted over four seasons (2020-2024) using sign-up sheets from vaccine recipients. Nursing faculty and student volunteers compiled data from participating faculty. Comparative analysis identified the most effective dates, times, and locations for mobile clinic vaccination uptake, most reported communication methods, and cost savings from volunteer use. Results: Vaccine uptake decreased by 13% between 2020 and 2021, increased by 75% between 2021 and 2022, and rose by 5.8% between 2022 and 2023. Email was the primary advertisement method for 76% of students. Volunteer use saved $21,505. Discussion: Post-2021 saw increased vaccinations, but missing data limited the evaluation of student-specific outcomes. Email was the most effective communication method among the group. The use of nursing students and faculty demonstrated cost savings. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]