Access to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among preadolescent children and adolescents the US

Objective/Background: We sought to determine the factors related to receipt of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, using a nationally representative population-based sample of US children and adolescents. Methods: We examined data on 5,932 preadolescents and adolescents ages 8-17 years from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey. Parents were asked if their child had ever received HPV vaccines or shots. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the odds of children's receipt of the HPV vaccine. Covariates included child, parent and family sociodemographics; child health, preventive care, and insurance; and parental knowledge about the vaccine. Results: 11.5% of US preadolescents and adolescents received the HPV vaccine. Multivariable results revealed that children were more likely to receive the vaccine if they had a well-child visit in the past 12 months (OR 3.53, 95% CI: 2.13-5.85) or if their parents had known about the vaccine (OR 15.37, 95% CI: 9.19-25.71). Children were less likely to receive the HPV vaccine if they were a racial or ethnic minority or uninsured. Conclusions: Educating parents and improving access to preventive pediatric healthcare both present opportunities to increase the HPV vaccination rates among preadolescents and adolescents. However significant disparities remain in children's receipt of the vaccine. Efforts to increase access to the vaccine should focus on male, minority, and uninsured children and children in families with low levels of education and income. Reducing disparities in the receipt of the vaccine stands to reduce HPV infection in vulnerable populations and may help eliminate long term health disparities.