Understanding human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake patterns is critical to improve vaccination levels. Approximately half (56%) of female undergraduate students surveyed at a large public university reported HPV vaccine series initiation, with 79% of initiators completing the three dose series. Predictors of series initiation included having a conversation with a health-care provider about the vaccine, reporting a history of sexual intercourse and receipt of the meningitis vaccine. Compared to whites, black/African-American women were 33% less likely to have initiated HPV vaccination. Common reasons for not receiving the HPV vaccine included concerns about vaccine safety and doctors' not recommending vaccination.

Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.