Primary Care Physicians' Perspectives About HPV Vaccine

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Vaccinology
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Missed opportunities for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination exist due to physician practices.
• Physician recommendations and discussions significantly influence HPV vaccine uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

• Describe physician practices in recommending the HPV vaccine.
• Estimate the frequency of parental deferral of HPV vaccination.
• Identify physician characteristics associated with not discussing HPV vaccination.

Main Methods:

• A national survey of pediatricians and family physicians (FP) was conducted.
• Multivariable analysis examined characteristics associated with not discussing HPV vaccination.

Main Results:

• While most pediatricians and FP strongly recommend the HPV vaccine for girls, rates are lower for boys.
• Over half of physicians reported that at least 25% of parents deferred HPV vaccination.
• Physicians less likely to discuss HPV vaccination were more likely to be FP, male, concerned about waning immunity, or believe parents would not accept it if discussed with other vaccines.

Conclusions:

• Addressing physician perceptions regarding parental acceptance and vaccine efficacy is key to increasing HPV vaccination rates.
• Integrating HPV vaccine discussions with other recommended vaccines may improve uptake.
• Concerns about waning immunity among physicians should be addressed to promote vaccination.