Investigating how geography, citizenship, and insurance influence HPV vaccination

Abstract

Research on the human papillomavirus (HPV) suggests a possible relation between HPV type and geography. It also demonstrates that insurance status affects HPV vaccine uptake, which currently provides protection against 9 of the high-risk HPV types known to cause HPV-related cancers. This article reviews this literature with a focus on health justice in HPV vaccination programs. It also describes University of Illinois Health System research with members of Chicago communities to determine the prevalence of HPV, the distribution of HPV types, and strategies for better serving this population.