Open Forum Infectious Diseases
Jana Shaw, Mehek Mehta, and Louise-Anne McNutt*
ABSTRACT
Background. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage in the Unites States remains low. In 2014, 4 out of 10 girls and 6 out of 10 boys remained unvaccinated. Implementation of the multiple dosing HPV vaccination regimen remains a challenge due to the barriers presented by parents, providers, and an inadequate delivery system. School-based health centers (SBHCs) offer an accessible and convenient setting to deliver adolescent vaccines.
Methods. We have assessed HPV vaccination coverage through a retrospective review of electronic medical records. We included all patients enrolled in a large SBHC who had vaccination records accessible. The patients were assigned to SBHC, community health center (CHC), or private provider depending on where they received the Tdap vaccine. Bivariate group sub analyses included vaccination series by number of doses, and timeliness of HPV vaccination.
Results. Vaccination completion (3 doses) was highest for both females and males vaccinated at the SBHC, 81.1% and 67.7%, respectively, compared to other sites. SBHC had a significantly higher vaccination coverage rate for both genders compared to CHC and private provider (p < .01) (Table 1). In addition, SBHC was more likely to initiate vaccination at a younger age compared to CHC and private provider (Table 2).
Conclusion. SBHCs are ideally suited for the HPV vaccination regimen as they lead to higher coverage for both genders compared to more traditional settings. Larger studies are needed to corroborate our findings to support broader implementation of the HPV vaccination program in SBHCs.
* Denotes CSDA Associates, Affiliates, and Staff