Sign in Subscribe
Cancer

HPV Vaccination Coverage Suboptimal in High-Risk Population

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted at the University of Minnesota revealed that only 60% of patients undergoing cancer treatment and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplant received the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, despite being at increased risk for developing a secondary HPV-associated malignancy. The study, published in Preventive Medicine Reports, aimed to determine HPV vaccination coverage among individuals participating in a childhood cancer survivor program (CCSP). A total of 592 patients were included in the analyses, with similar age, race, and sex demographics between the CCSP patients and controls. However, vaccination coverage was not statistically significantly different between the two groups.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 22% of CCSP patients resided in rural areas, compared to 3.8% of controls, indicating a potential disparity in access to healthcare.
  • Only 8.0% of survivorship care plans recommended HPV vaccination, highlighting a need for improved communication and education among healthcare providers.
  • Despite being at high risk for a secondary HPV-associated cancer, 60% of CCSP patients received the HPV vaccine, with 28.5% completing the recommended 3-dose series.
  • The study suggests that HPV vaccination initiatives may not be effectively targeting high-risk populations, such as cancer survivors.
  • The University of Minnesota research team, led by Lauren Thomaier, emphasizes the importance of improving HPV vaccination rates in vulnerable populations.
  • The study highlights the need for increased awareness and education among healthcare providers and patients about the risks of HPV-associated cancers and the benefits of HPV vaccination.

Statistics:

  • 60.0% of CCSP patients received the HPV vaccine, compared to 66.3% of controls (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: (0.55, 1.23), p = 0.35).
  • 26.5% of CCSP patients completed the 3-dose HPV vaccination series, compared to 30.1% of controls (p = 0.09).
  • 22% of CCSP patients resided in rural areas, compared to 3.8% of controls.
  • 8.0% of survivorship care plans recommended HPV vaccination.

Sources:

  • "HPV vaccination coverage for pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients receiving care in a childhood cancer survivor program." Preventive Medicine Reports, 2022, 29: 101972.
  • University of Minnesota (2022). Studies from University of Minnesota Yield New Data on Human Papillomavirus Vaccines (HPV vaccination coverage for pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients receiving care in a childhood cancer survivor program). Vaccine Weekly. October 12, 2022; p 91.

Read more