Trusted school messengers boosting non-mandated vaccines for kids
Official title: Trusted School Messengers Promoting Non-Mandated Vaccination
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11503940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A school-based program aims to increase uptake of vaccines like influenza and HPV among children by using trusted school staff to share accurate vaccine information.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $499,952 |
| NIH project number | 5U48DP006851-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11503940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children aged 9-12 beginning HPV vaccination and school-aged children eligible for influenza vaccination in participating districts.
✕Less likely to help
Students in districts that do not implement or engage with school-based messaging may see little to no benefit.
What this research studies
This project partners with schools to train trusted messengers such as nurses, teachers, and administrators to communicate about vaccines that are not mandated by law. It focuses on improving confidence in vaccine safety and effectiveness, and on using school channels to reach parents with clear information. The approach leverages existing school networks to promote timely vaccination for influenza and HPV before exposure, with attention to rural and minority communities where uptake is lower. The work will be conducted in collaboration with the University of Rochester over a multi-year period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more children could be vaccinated on time, reducing influenza-related illness and HPV-related cancers in families.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that trusted messengers can improve vaccine acceptance, but results vary by setting and vaccines.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rand, Cynthia M — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Rand, Cynthia M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.