Researchers involved with HPV vaccination and Human Papillomavirus work every day to better understand how to protect the population from HPV-associated cancers and diseases. Research ranges from understanding the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccination, to developing knowledge around the acceptability of the vaccination throughout the state of Georgia, or to understanding the cost-effectiveness of the vaccination series. Read selected publications below from our members and others!
Recent Research
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends initiation of the HPV vaccination before an adolescent turns 13 years old with completion of the series by 15 years of age (requiring only 2 doses). After 15 years of age, 3 doses of HPV vaccination are required. Based on estimates 15.8% of 13 years old’s were up-to-date for HPV vaccination and 34.8% of 15 year old’s, which is concerning. HPV vaccination is most efficacious when given at a young age and before the onset of sexual activity. With 11% of females and 16% of males reporting sexual intercourse by age of 15, a significant portion of adolescents are being missed with potentially life saving protection against various strains of the HPV virus. Additional findings of this study highlight the gaps in HPV vaccine recommendations for young adolescents through documented low vaccine coverage by the time they reach 13 or 15 years of age.
Human papillomavirus vaccine effectiveness by age at vaccination: A systematic review
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines work by preventing infections before natural exposure. Thus, it is likely more effective at younger ages, and it is important to understand how effectiveness might be diminished when administered at older ages. This systematic review of 21 studies found that the HPV vaccine is most effective against HPV infection, anogenital warts, cervical abnormalities, and cervical cancer when given at younger ages. Adolescents aged 9-14 years had 74% to 93% vaccine effectiveness compared to 15-18 year olds with 12% to 90% effectiveness. These results demonstrate that the HPV vaccine is most effective against HPV-related disease outcomes when given at younger ages, emphasizing the importance of on-time vaccination.
Young adulthood is a critical time for catch-up HPV vaccination. However, various barriers exist among college students for the initiation of HPV vaccination uptake. These barriers include a lack of medical provider recommendation, birth outside of the United States, younger age among females, and multi-racial identity among men, among others. Many obstacles to uptake are only generally known and require further investigation to fully understand their impact on the uptake of the vaccination and further health-related decision-making.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Georgia: Evaluating the Georgia HPV Work Group
A research group conducted two focus group discussions with members of the Georgia Cancer Control Consortium’s (GC3) HPV Working Group via online platform. Members were asked questions related to the current status of the HPV working group, potential methods for progressing forward, and increasing communication between members and other HPV-related researchers. An online web-portal specifically designed for the Working Group was identified as a tool for improving Working Group communication, sharing best practices and resources, and to collectively develop activities, research projects, and HPV vaccine promotion events in a culturally competent and age appropriate manner. The goal for improved coordination of the HPV working group is to improve HPV vaccine uptake and completion throughout the state of Georgia.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccination was first recommended for use among female adolescents in 2006, with the recommendation expanding to include male adolescents in 2011. In 2016, HPV vaccination coverage in Georgia was 45.6% among adolescents (13-17 years old). The research team reviewed published and grey literature for different development, implementation, and best practices related to vaccine uptake in adolescents. The most often mentioned barriers to HPV vaccine uptake in Georgia included cultural norms, vaccination education, and a misalignment of vaccine uptake goals between the state and regional hospital community needs assessments. Georgia-specific efforts have been limited, however, ongoing collaborations spearheaded by the Georgia Cancer Control Coalition provide opportunities for state-level support of research to address these barriers. Increasing knowledge and uptake of the HPV vaccine in Georgia requires significant research to understand the vast socioeconomic, cultural, and geographic barriers preventing uptake among adolescents.
Facilitators and barriers of HPV vaccination: a qualitative study in rural Georgia
40 interviews with young adults, parents, providers, and public health professionals reveal the facilitators and barriers to HPV vaccination in Georgia. Facilitators identified include patient-level existing knowledge of the HPV vaccine, use of educational materials, and immunization reminders. Barriers to the HPV vaccine included a lack of knowledge at the patient level, inadequate educational resources, and a culture of limited vaccine discussion in rural communities. This work highlights key themes to increase HPV vaccination in rural Georgia communities.