Physicians' human papillomavirus vaccine recommendations, 2009 and 2011

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Vaccinology
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Physician recommendation is a critical factor influencing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake.
• Understanding the determinants of physician recommendation is vital for improving suboptimal HPV vaccination rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess physician recommendations for vaccinating female patients aged 11-26 years with the HPV vaccine in 2009 and 2011.
• To identify trends in factors associated with HPV vaccine recommendation for 11-12 year old female patients.

Main Methods:

• Nationally representative samples of family medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics/gynecology physicians were surveyed in 2009 and 2011.
• Surveys collected data on physician demographics, clinical practices, immunization support, and frequency of HPV vaccine recommendation.
• Analysis focused on changes in recommendation rates and associated factors over the study period.

Main Results:

• The proportion of physicians always recommending the HPV vaccine increased significantly for 11-12 year olds (35% to 40%) between 2009 and 2011 (p=0.03).
• No significant increase in recommendations was observed for older age groups (13-17 and 18-26 years).
• Physician specialty, age, and perceived barriers were associated with HPV vaccine recommendation for 11-12 year olds.

Conclusions:

• A modest increase in HPV vaccine recommendations for younger adolescent girls was observed over a two-year period.
• Despite national guidelines for universal immunization, HPV vaccine recommendations remain suboptimal for all target age groups.