Wisconsin’s HPV Vaccine Environmental Scan

Authors:

Sarah Mroz (Presenter)
University of Wisconsin – Carbone Cancer Center

Xiao Zhang, University of Wisconsin – Carbone Cancer Center
Mercedes Wisconsinlliams, University of Wisconsin – School of Medicine and Public Health
Amy Conlon, University of Wisconsin – Carbone Cancer Center
Noelle LoConte, University of Wisconsin – Carbone Cancer Center

Public Health Statement: The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is extremely common and can progress to various types of cancer. HPV vaccine utilization has remained low compared to other adolescent vaccines in the U.S. and Wisconsin.

Purpose: The Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Control (WI CCC Program) Program conducted an environmental scan of HPV vaccine-related activities between October 2014 and September 2015.

Methods/Approach: The environmental scan included examination of vaccination data from the Wisconsin Immunization Registry to identify differences in rates by county, urban/rural residence, race/ethnicity and gender; a stakeholder survey of those working on HPV-related projects; assessment of current University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) research on HPV, HPV-related cancers and the HPV vaccine; and evaluation of a quality improvement provider education series conducted at a local health system.

Results: Vaccination data indicated that rates among Wisconsin adolescents are low and many differences were found between counties. The stakeholder survey provided information on current activities, interest and capacity for future work. The assessment of UW research identified five main types including: presentation of information; analysis of perceptions; research on viral mechanisms and cell changes; prevalence studies of HPV; and research on the virus and efficacy of treatments. Evaluation of the provider education series uncovered a statistically significant increase in vaccination rates at clinics where providers received the education program.

Conclusions/Implications: The Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Control Program plans to continue engaging collaborators around the state and utilize information from the environmental scan to develop locally appropriate research projects and interventions to improve HPV vaccination among Wisconsin adolescents.