How Immunization Information Systems Inform Age-Based HPV Vaccination Recommendations in the United States: A...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Vaccinology
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Immunization Information Systems (IISs) forecast vaccine due dates in the US.
• Forecasting for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination at age 9 is not well-documented.
• Understanding HPV vaccination forecasting is crucial for timely immunization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document HPV vaccination forecasting practices in US jurisdictional IISs.
• To understand stakeholder processes for determining and implementing HPV vaccination forecasts.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to updating HPV vaccination forecast ages.

Main Methods:

• Internet searches and requests to immunization program managers documented IIS forecast characteristics.
• Focus groups with stakeholders from seven jurisdictions explored forecasting processes.
• Analysis of data from 49 CDC-funded jurisdictions.

Main Results:

• 14% of IISs recommended HPV vaccination at age 9; 71% recommended it at ages 11-15.
• Jurisdictions recommending age 9 vaccination cited expert bodies and reported minimal provider opposition.
• Flexibility in programming IIS forecasts varied, with some easily updating to age 9 and others adhering strictly to CDC guidance.

Conclusions:

• Best practices for forecasting HPV vaccination at age 9 can be shared among jurisdictions.
• Future studies should evaluate the impact of forecasting age on vaccination rates.
• Evidence is needed to support nationwide recommendations for earlier HPV vaccination forecasting.