HPV vaccination rates in New Mexico and future directions for promoting the HPV vaccine among young adults.

Abstract

e22540 Background: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. and is attributed as a cause for cervical, penile, vaginal, vulvar, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Vaccination is an effective cancer prevention strategy and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends HPV vaccinations for everyone between 11-26 years of age. Despite these recommendations, national rates have been consistently low (compared to other recommended vaccines) and very little research exists around HPV vaccination in New Mexico (NM). Methods: We used a mixed methods study design (i.e. sequential explanatory) to first describe NM’s HPV vaccination rates and second, identify strategies to improve vaccination rates. Results: Findings from NM Statewide Immunization Information System data show that in 2021, 47.62% of individuals between 13-17 years have received at least one dose (of the recommended two or three doses) of the HPV vaccine. National Immunization Survey Teen data show that in 2021, individuals between 13-17 years that received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine was 80.9% for New Mexico and 76.9% for the United States. To explore challenges and opportunities to improve vaccination rates in NM, we conducted interviews with clinical and community partners, supplemented with a comprehensive literature review. Conclusions: Key findings from our study include: (1) Compared to the national data, practice based data from NMSIIS reveal several opportunities for improving vaccination rates specifically for primary care providers and clinics; 2) Clinical and community partners noted building trust in communities, implementing educational interventions, and repeated reminders for the community to improve vaccination rates; (3) Given the limited research on 18-26 year olds, future research needs to be directed at examining attitudes and beliefs among young adults to inform the design of socio-behavioral interventions targeting vaccination uptake and exploring communication strategies to help young adults make informed decisions around HPV vaccinations.