HPV vaccine uptake and completion: An analysis of data from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health

The Advisory Committee for Vaccine Practices (ACIP) recommends routine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for adolescent girls ages 11 and 12 and catch-up vaccination for girls ages 13 to 26 years old. This study seeks to describe the national prevalence of HPV vaccine uptake and completion among adolescent girls ages 12-17 years old and explores factors that predict vaccine uptake and completion. A secondary data analysis of data from the National Survey of Children's Health was conducted. Parental reports of adolescent females ages 12 to 17 years old (N = 16, 738) were examined. Data were weighted for national estimates. Approximately 19% reported having at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. Among starters, 24% completed the three dose regimen. Doctor recommendation (p < 0.001), poverty level (p < 0.05), and having received a tetanus booster shot since age 11 (p< 0.001) predicted vaccine uptake. Adequacy of insurance (p < 0.05) and having a doctor who listens carefully (p < 0.01) predicted vaccine completion. HPV vaccination remains low despite ACIP recommendations. Higher vaccination rates among those in the lowest poverty level may speak to the successes of the Vaccines for Children program. Increasing doctor recommendation rates offers the best opportunity to increase HPV vaccination uptake rates across demographics. However, different factors explain vaccine uptake and vaccine completion. It is important to adopt intervention strategies designed to increase uptake and completion that are tailored to each specific vaccination goal in order to reduce rates of HPV.