Modifiable influences on female HPV vaccine uptake at the clinic encounter level: a literature review

Purpose: A review of the literature to identify modifiable influences on female human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake relevant to clinical practice in order to support nurse practitioners (NPs) in the prevention of cervical cancer.

Data sources: PubMed, CINAHL, reference lists of publications that surfaced in the electronic search.

Conclusions: Six influences are modifiable and potentially amenable to being addressed at the clinic encounter level: (a) cost and insurance coverage, (b) provider recommendation, (c) vaccination opportunity, (d) HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge, (e) vaccine safety concerns, and (f) HPV risk.

Implications for practice: NPs have an important role in improving HPV vaccine uptake and research suggests several areas they can address to increase vaccination during clinic visits.