Improving HPV Vaccine Coverage in Tennessee: Addressing Barriers and Expanding Access for Mid-Adults

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection linked to various cancers.
• The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing HPV-associated cancers, yet vaccination rates remain suboptimal.
• Tennessee faces challenges with HPV vaccine coverage, falling below national averages and public health goals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze HPV vaccination rates in Tennessee.
• To identify disparities in vaccine coverage among different demographic and socioeconomic groups.
• To highlight the need for interventions to improve HPV vaccination uptake and reduce cancer incidence.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of HPV vaccination coverage data for Tennessee in 2022.
• Comparison of vaccination rates based on insurance status (insured vs. uninsured).
• Comparison of vaccination rates between urban and rural communities.

Main Results:

• HPV vaccination rates in Tennessee were 68% for insured and 38% for uninsured individuals in 2022.
• Up-to-date vaccination rates were lower in rural (46%) compared to urban (58%) communities.
• Tennessee's HPV-associated cancer rate (12.9/100,000) exceeds the US average (11.8/100,000).

Conclusions:

• Suboptimal HPV vaccination rates in Tennessee, especially among rural and uninsured populations, contribute to higher cancer rates.
• Interventions targeting awareness, education, and access are needed to boost vaccine confidence and uptake.
• Recent expanded HPV vaccination recommendations for adults require further evaluation for their impact in Tennessee.