Improving Human Papillomavirus Vaccinations in Military Women

The purpose of this evidence-based project was to provide patient education to increase human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates in military women. Despite the availability of a vaccine, HPV continues to be the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. The goal of this program was to increase patient knowledge and HPV vaccination rates by providing education and a verbal recommendation for vaccination during regularly scheduled well-woman exams. The project resulted in a 65% increase in vaccination rates, raising the preprogram vaccination rate of 55% to a postintervention vaccine percentage of 91%. The results demonstrate the importance of patient education and provider recommendation in vaccine acceptance.