An update on human papillomavirus vaccine uptake among 11-17 year old girls in the United States: National Health Interview Survey, 2010

Abstract

Purpose: A 3-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for adolescents to protect against HPV-related cervical and other cancers. The purpose of this study was to provide an update on HPV vaccine uptake among 11-17 year old girls residing in the US.

Methods: Data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were obtained to assess HPV vaccination status and its correlates. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine HPV vaccine uptake of ≥ 1 dose and ≥ 3 doses among all girls, and completion of the 3-dose series among those who initiated (received ≥ 1 dose) the vaccine.

Results: Overall, 28.9% and 14.2% received ≥ 1 dose and ≥ 3 doses of vaccine: 14.5% and 3.0% among 11-12 year old girls, and 34.8% and 18.7% among 13-17 year olds, respectively. Hispanics had higher uptake of ≥ 1 dose (odds ratio (OR) 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-2.17) than whites. Having received an influenza shot in the past year and parents' awareness of the vaccine were significantly associated with receiving ≥ 1 dose (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.51-2.33 and OR 16.57, 95% CI 10.95-25.06) and ≥ 3 doses (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.13-1.92 and OR 10.60, 95% CI 5.95-18.88). A separate multivariate model based on girls who initiated the vaccine did not identify any significant correlates of 3-dose series completion. Among parents of unvaccinated girls, 60% were not interested in vaccinating their daughters and mentioned three main reasons: "does not need vaccine" (25.5%), "worried about safety" (19.3%) and "does not know enough about vaccine" (16.6%). Of those who were interested, 53.7% would pay $360-$500 for the vaccination, while 41.7% preferred to receive it at a much lower cost or free.

Conclusions: Only 1 out of 3 girls (11-17 years) have received ≥ 1 dose of HPV vaccine and much less have completed all 3 doses. Strategies should be taken to improve this vaccine uptake among girls, especially those 11-12 year olds, and to educate parents about the importance of vaccination.