Health care provider challenges for reaching Hispanic immigrants with HPV vaccination in rural Georgia

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this pilot study was to understand, from the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provider's perspective, issues relating to vaccine access and compliance for Hispanic adolescents in a rural setting. Methods: Researchers conducted individual structured interviews with VFC providers and focus groups with Hispanic immigrant parents in rural southern Georgia. Results: Overall, the VFC providers said that their Hispanic patients were very positive toward vaccines in general, but there were cost issues related to stocking the vaccine and reaching the Hispanic population. The focus group discussions revealed that most Hispanic parents were not aware of the existence of the humanpapilloma virus (HPV) vaccine, nor had they heard about the VFC program. Conclusion: Numerous vaccination barriers continue to impact HPV vaccine uptake in the Hispanic immigrant population in the US South. © JS Luque, S Raychowdhury, M Weaver, 2012.