HPV is highly prevalent and spreads through sexual contact which is why the vaccine is important for young people (Barnard, et al., 2017). However, it is just important that the young people being immunised understand why they are receiving a vaccine and the significance. Students that have little to no understanding of HPV or the vaccine are ultimately unaware of their risk of cancers, cervical cancer in particular and the risk of sexually transmitted infections (Davies, et al. 2017). In VCE HHD (VCAA, 2017), the following key knowledge and skills can be used to implement lesson plans relating to HPV and HPV vaccination:
KK: variations in perspectives of and priorities relating to health and wellbeing, according to age, culture, religion, gender and socioeconomic status
KS: analyse various meanings of health and wellbeing
These key knowledge and skills would allow students the opportunity to investigate the variations in perspectives relating to vaccines. Research could be analysed to show the safety of vaccines and the risks/consequences of failing to vaccine children.
Another activity for students could be a Kahoot quiz to scaffold understanding, which would include the following questions:
- What is HPV
- What are the symptoms of HPV?
- Who can get HPV?
- Is HPV contagious?
- How is HPV prevented?
- How is HPV treated?
- Does the vaccine protect from all types of HPV?
- True or false: HPV vaccine is only important for females
Looking at the Vaccine Coverage graph, VCE students would be asked to analyse this for any trends/interesting facts they notice. Students will be prompted to compare state differences, gender, types of cancer and ask themselves why they think this trend is occurring. Choosing one point of interest, students will then research more information and create an educative newsletter to raise awareness. Examples of topics include males who have lower vaccination rates, or the is a drop off rate between dose one and two
Participatory approaches are important to include to ensure students are learning in a meaningful way, empowered in their own learning and making decisions (Cahill, et al. 2014). A parent forum run by students would be a participatory approach that gives students the opportunity to research the vaccine and the importance of completing the two doses and presenting these ideas to parents. The forum would take place where the vaccines will be taking place and students will be in charge of setting up the room, so they can show parents (and also alleviate anxiety for themselves) what to expect on vaccine day. This would educate parents, increase student’s awareness and provide a sense of empowerment over vaccination day. This activity would link to the Victorian Curriculum as they would be developing skills to evaluate health information and express health concerns (VCHPEP129) and in addition it uses a strengths-based approach and critical inquiry skills (ACARA, 2018).
References
[ACARA] Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (2018). Health and Physical Education Propositions. Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. Retrieved from: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/health-and-physical-education/key-ideas/
Cahill, H., Coffey, J., Lester, L., Midford, R., Ramsden, R., & Venning, L. (2014). Influences on teachers’ use of participatory learning strategies in health education classes. Health Education Journal, 73(6), 702–713. https://doi.org/10.1177/0017896913513892
Barnard, M., George, P., Perryman, M. L. & Wolff, L. A. (2017). Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Knowledge, Attitudes and Uptake in College Students: Implications from the Precaution Adoption Process Model. PloS ONE.12(8) 1-9. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0182266
Davies, C., Skinner, S. R., Stoney, T., Marshal, H. S., Collins, J., Jones, J., Hutton, H., Parrella, A., Cooper, S., McGeechan, K. & Zimet, G. (2017). ‘Is it like one of those infectious kinds of things?’ The Importance of Educating Young People about HPV and HPV Vaccination at School. Sex Education. 17(3) 256-275. DOI: 10.1080/14681811.2017.1300770
[VCAA] Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (2017).Health and Human Development Study Design 2018-2022. Retrieved from: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/vce/hhd/HealthHumDevSD-2018.pdf
Health Education in the Secondary Years 