Canadian school-based HPV vaccine programs and policy considerations.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Immunization Programs
• Vaccinology

Background:

• The National Advisory Committee on Immunization in Canada recommends human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for individuals aged 9-26.
• Publicly funded, school-based programs are the primary method for HPV vaccine administration across Canadian provinces and territories.
• This study examines the administration and uptake of HPV vaccination within these school-based programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of Canadian provincial and territorial school-based HPV vaccination program administration.
• To report on current HPV vaccination rates in Canada.
• To identify policy considerations for future HPV vaccination strategies.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of academic and grey literature was conducted.
• Administrators of provincial and territorial vaccination programs were contacted for data.
• Information on HPV vaccine program administration and vaccination rates was compiled for all 13 Canadian jurisdictions.

Main Results:

• As of October 2016, all 13 Canadian jurisdictions vaccinate females, with six including males in school-based programs.
• Eleven jurisdictions utilize a two-dose HPV vaccination schedule.
• Reported female HPV vaccination uptake ranged from 46.7% to 93.9%, while male uptake (where data was available) ranged from 75.0% to 87.4%.

Conclusions:

• Future research should inform decisions on adopting the nonavalent vaccine and optimizing vaccination schedules (one vs. two doses).
• Improving HPV vaccination uptake and completion rates is a critical public health goal.
• Standardizing data collection methodologies and establishing a national HPV vaccination registry are identified as high priorities.