The HPV vaccine protects against HPV strains that cause six types of cancers.
The HPV vaccine protects against HPV strains that cause six types of cancers, including cancers of the cervix, oropharynx (throat), penis, vagina, vulva, and anus.
Estimates show upwards of 80% of the population will be infected by HPV. Given the virus's widespread nature, vaccine series completion is recommended by age 13 for optimal cancer prevention.
HPV vaccination currently lags behind other preteen vaccines. Using the best practices to increase HPV vaccination and reduce geographic disparities will ensure all young Californians benefit.
Vaccination represents a key pillar for HPV-associated cervical cancer elimination efforts. Health systems are encouraged to increase the California Immunization Registry (CAIR) utilization so that state and local vaccination coverage data can be used to address community needs.
Objective 1:
By 2025, increase initiation of HPV vaccine among 13-year olds from the baseline of 57% to 90%.
Data source: California Immunization Registry, 2018
Objective 2:
By 2025, increase series completion of the HPV vaccine among 13-year olds from the baseline of 35% to 80%.
Data source: California Immunization Registry, 2018
Objective 3:
By 2025, reduce the geographic disparity gap in HPV vaccination rates for 13-year-old Californians.
Strategies for Objectives 1, 2 and 3
tetanus‑diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines.
- Issuing standing orders,
- Using electronic health record (EHR) prompts for providers,
- Scheduling next appointment, the same day as the first dose is given,
- Offering vaccine-only appointments,
- Implementing patient reminder/recall systems,
- Ensuring a pro-vaccine office culture,
- Making presumptive recommendations for HPV vaccine, and
- Educating providers and staff on HPV disease and prevention through vaccination. Resources available to support interventions include Clinician and Health Systems Action Guides available through the American Cancer Society.
- Increase the number of clinicians strongly recommending the HPV vaccine at the same time they administer meningococcal conjugate and
- Incorporate evidence-based strategies to improve HPV vaccination in clinics serving adolescents, including:
- Partner with Medi-Cal Managed Care and commercial health plans to use available data to identify providers with low HPV vaccine coverage and provide support and assistance to them, including with implementation of strategies listed above.
- Support improved access to HPV vaccine through school-based clinics, pharmacies, local health departments, and other vaccination clinics (e.g., vaccine‑only appointments).
- Increase the number of medical facilities, clinicians, school health centers, and pharmacies contributing HPV immunization data to the CAIR. This can be done by promotion of CAIR to health systems and individual providers, education on the existing mandate for all Medi-Cal Managed Care plans to enter immunizations into CAIR, and education on the Vaccines for Children Program to policymakers.
- (Objective 1 and 2): Encourage public and private health plans, health systems, and providers to assess HPV vaccination coverage of 13-year-old patients using available data (quality performance metrics, immunization registry, EHR, etc.).
- (Objective 3): Pilot an HPV-focused learning collaborative following the ECHO model (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) with select rural providers to enable participants to learn from experts and each other, gain access to evidence-based and capacity-building resources, and receive guidance in applying quality improvement processes to address HPV vaccination in their practices.