Effectiveness of a provider-focused intervention to improve HPV vaccination rates in boys and girls

Abstract

HPV vaccination is universally recommended for boys and girls, yet vaccination rates remain low nationwide. Methods: We conducted a provider-focused intervention that included repeated contacts, education, individualized feedback, and strong quality improvement incentives to raise HPV vaccination rates at two federally qualified community health centers. To estimate the effectiveness of the intervention, rates of initiation of vaccination, and completion of the next needed HPV vaccination (dose 1, 2 or 3) among boys and girls ages 11-21 were compared at baseline and two follow-up periods in two intervention health centers (. n4093 patients) and six control health centers (. n9025 patients). We conducted multivariable logistic regression accounting for clustering by practice. Results: Girls and boys in intervention practices significantly increased HPV vaccine initiation during the active intervention period relative to control practices (girls OR 1.6, boys OR 11; p