Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination Among Adolescents in a Community Clinic Before and After Intervention

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease with over 14 million infections in 2008. Certain HPV types have been identified in up to 70% of cases of cervical and anal cancers. Despite being safe and effective, HPV vaccination rates remain low. Vaccination and demographic data was collected pre-and post-intervention. Among 13 thru 17-year-old cohort females were significantly more likely to be fully vaccinated. Assessment also found that patients insured by Medicaid were significantly more likely to be fully vaccinated than patients insured privately. Post-intervention vaccination rate is similar to baseline rates. There was non-significant improvement in HPV vaccination coverage after intervention. Male and privately insured patients of Creighton’s Pediatric Clinic have lower HPV vaccination coverage than their counterparts. More direct efforts are needed in vaccination process and policy in the clinic to improve immunization against HPV among children and adolescents.