Improving human papilloma virus vaccination rates among adolescents

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer worldwide and is responsible for genital warts and five other types of cancers. The HPV vaccine was introduced in 2006 and demonstrated to be safe and more effective than expected, yet adolescent rates of immunization in the United States remain low.

Adolescent HPV vaccine rates were below the national average, and effective vaccine recommendation strategies were not used at an urban pediatric primary care office in southern Florida.

The percentage of HPV vaccine rates in this primary care office were measured among adolescents ages 13-17 years using data obtained from Florida's state vaccine registry before implementation of the intervention, after the intervention, and monthly over a 90-day period.

Interventions aimed to improve vaccine rates included implementing an HPV protocol consisting of education on providing a strong bundled recommendation, appointing a vaccine champion, implementing standing vaccine orders, and educational materials.

The vaccine rates among adolescents increased by 11% for the initial dose, 7% for the second dose, and 6% for the vaccine completion rate. Chi-square test demonstrated statistical significance, for the initial vaccine.

A nurse practitioner-led application of an evidenced-based HPV vaccine protocol positively affected the care of adolescents in this primary care setting.