Assessing Barriers to HPV Vaccine Delivery

Introduction: Current rates of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for adolescents are not yet optimal on a national level. This vaccine is an important addition to the established vaccine regimen as early vaccination is associated with mitigating HPV-associated cancer risk. There is need for improvement particularly in the District of Columbia as HPV-associated cancer diagnoses from 2011-2015 were around 13-16%, representing higher percentages than other areas of the country. In order to reach the American Cancer Society\u27s goal of 80% HPV vaccination rate by 2026, approximately 14.39 million additional adolescents aged 11-12 need to be vaccinated. Despite the efficacy of the HPV vaccine, there has been controversy with its administration. Methods: We conducted a literature review assessing some of the most common barriers associated with HPV vaccination. We also examined the most effective interventions for increasing HPV vaccination rates. Results: Some common barriers to HPV vaccination from a healthcare provider perspective included lack of knowledge about vaccine, lack of insurance coverage, and belief that parents dictate the success of vaccination rates. Barriers to vaccination from the parent perspective included lack of available information about the vaccine, safety of the vaccine, and not receiving direct recommendation from a physician. Other barriers included poor socioeconomic status, male gender, and young age. Effective interventions to increase vaccine rates or intention to vaccinate included educational fact sheets, informational videos and physician recommendation. Conclusions: In summary, there are a variety of barriers to HPV vaccination that make it difficult to administer. The best method for increasing HPV vaccination rates will be consistent physician recommendation and providing educational fact sheets or informational videos that can ensure parents and patients are well informed