University of Wisconsin–Madison ⋅ Medical College of Wisconsin
WMJ

Current Trends in HPV Vaccine Uptake: Wisconsin and United States, 2016-2019

Alexandria Cull Weatherer, MPH; Stephanie L. Pritzl, MD; Sarah Kerch, MPH; Zhanhai Li, PhD; Noelle K. LoConte, MD

WMJ. 2021;120(1):62-65.

Download full text pdf.

ABSTRACT

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a recognized cause of cancer in both males and females. HPV vaccination prevents development of HPV-associated diseases.

Methods: Wisconsin HPV vaccination rates (2016-2019) were obtained from the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. Data was stratified by age, sex, Medicaid status, race/ethnicity, and ZIP code. Wisconsin vaccination rates were compared with national trends using data from the 2016, 2018, and 2019 National Immunization Survey-Teen.

Results: Wisconsin HPV vaccination rates remain consistently below national averages. HPV vaccination rates are improving—especially among males; however, vaccine coverage at the recommended age of 11-12 remains low. Rates of vaccine uptake differ by race/ethnicity, rurality/urbanicity, and Medicaid status.

Conclusion: Further initiatives are needed to increase awareness and acceptance of HPV vaccination for cancer prevention throughout Wisconsin.

Author Affiliations: University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, Wis (Cull Weatherer, Kerch, LoConte); Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis (Pritzl, LoConte); Department of Biostatistics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis (Li).
Corresponding Author: Alexandria Cull Weatherer, MPH, 610 N Walnut St, Room 370 WARF, Madison, WI 53726; phone 608.262.2774; email acull@wisc.edu.
Acknowledgements: We are thankful for the input and data provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Wisconsin Immunization Program.
Funding/Support: Funding for this work was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (grant 5 NU58DP006328-04-00), Wisconsin Department of Health Services (grant 435100-G20-503292-80, 44525), National Cancer Institute University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA014520).
Financial Disclosures: None declared.
Share WMJ