Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake in Adolescent Boys: An Evidence Review

Despite evidence-based guidelines recommending routine vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) for adolescent boys, ages 11-12 years, vaccine uptake among this population remains low.

To examine reasons for low HPV quadrivalent vaccine uptake and methods available to increase vaccine uptake among adolescent males, ages 11-12 years.

Of 341 identified studies, 30 were included from three databases. The 30 studies were grouped into six categories: population-specific, problem-specific, educational interventions, theory-specific, political implications, and foundational guidelines and Websites.

Among eight studies, low vaccine uptake was attributed to lack of parental, adolescent, and physician knowledge of HPV4 vaccine availability and recommendations. HPV4 vaccine educational interventions for parents and adolescents were the most effective for promoting vaccine uptake. Theory applications and gain-framed messages were shown to be effective for assessing HPV vaccine attitudes and perceptions. Political implication studies reveal the need for political and financial measures to encourage HPV vaccine acceptability among the population.

To promote HPV vaccine uptake among adolescent males, providers must remain current with HPV vaccine recommendations and offer parental and adolescent HPV education focusing on benefits of vaccine acceptance and risks of vaccine refusal.

The results of this review inform our understanding of effective educational strategies to positively impact HPV vaccine uptake in adolescent males. Based on this review, clinicians can employ several evidence-based educational strategies to facilitate HPV vaccine uptake.