Objective: We introduced a multi-component cancer prevention awareness program to primary care practices across New York State to evaluate its impact on adolescent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates.
Methods: Eight pediatric and three family medicine practices were recruited to participate in this program. On-site training sessions were provided for all practice providers and staff to discuss the importance of HPV vaccine and cancer prevention and teach strategies for delivering a strong vaccine recommendation. Each practice received a study-specific booklet that included HPV vaccine information and other commonly provided cancer prevention guidance. These booklets were distributed to all adolescents and their parents during well visits over a one-year period. Practice specific and county-wide HPV vaccination rates were assessed before and 12 months after the program training session.
Results: One year after program initiation, aggregate data show statistically higher vaccine series initiation rates among 11-12 and 13-18-year-olds and higher vaccine series completion rates among 13-18-year-olds. The greatest and most consistent improvements were seen in vaccine initiation rates for the 11-12-year-old cohort. Disparities in vaccine uptake were observed by gender and medical specialty.
Conclusion: Cancer prevention education targeting providers, office staff, patients, and parents, improved adolescent HPV vaccine series initiation rates.
Keywords: HPV; adolescent vaccines; cancer prevention; human papillomavirus; vaccine hesitancy.