Pediatricians and family physicians often did not strongly encourage patients (and parents) about receiving the HPV vaccine.
Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) is recommended beginning at age 11 to 12. However, only 40% of U.S. girls and 22% of boys aged 13 to 17 years receive all three doses of vaccine. As HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, discussions with families can be challenging. Researchers conducted a national survey of 829 pediatricians and family physicians (FPs) to gauge opinions about and barriers to HPV vaccination. Participants were queried about their habits in recommending the HPV vaccine, how commonly parents requested deferral of HPV vaccination, and why they or parents might not want to discuss the need for vaccination.
The overall response rate was 70%, with more pediatricians (82%) than FPs (56%) answering. Almost all pediat…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH Institutional Clinical and Translational Science Award; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality National Center for Pediatric Practice Based Research Learning; Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Editorial BoardsCurrent Problems in Pediatric Adolescent Healthcare
Leadership Positions in Professional Societies College of Physicians of Philadelphia (Board of Trustees)
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH Institutional Clinical and Translational Science Award; Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality National Center for Pediatric Practice Based Research Learning; Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Editorial BoardsCurrent Problems in Pediatric Adolescent Healthcare
Leadership Positions in Professional Societies College of Physicians of Philadelphia (Board of Trustees)