Grant: Cat. Gr.: STBBI Res.: Beyond HIV/AIDS/Hep. C- STBBI other than HIV/hep. C (gen.)

Immunization for vaccine-preventable sexually transmitted and blood-borne diseases (STBBIs) like human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B (HepB) has significantly reduced the impact of these infections on the health of Canadians. Unfortunately, First Nations Peoples still bear a larger burden of infection and illness (including cancer) associated with both HPV and HepB, potentially due to inequitable immunization opportunities. In order to appropriately develop and evaluate interventions to improve vaccine uptake among First Nations youth, it is extremely important to assess current levels of vaccine coverage. However, this information is largely unknown, since records of vaccines administered inside and outside of these communities are typically not connected for current calculations. In Alberta, there is a unique opportunity to assess vaccine coverage using information on vaccines administered both in and outside First Nations communities, due to recent agreements on data-sharing in the province. This project will use this new approach to determine complete and accurate measurement of HPV and HepB vaccine coverage in an Alberta First Nations community. The project is being done jointly by researchers and community leaders in the First Nations community, who have worked together for the past 7 years, and includes a diverse group of Knowledge Users. The proposed work will incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing and respect for First Nations data governance. Through this collaboration, we will not only measure vaccine coverage in the community, but also share this process with other First Nations communities across Alberta and Canada. The project will improve methods for ongoing monitoring of vaccine coverage in First Nations communities, and allow effective evaluation of innovative strategies to improve vaccine uptake and reduce STBBIs for First Nations communities.