Human papillomavirus vaccination uptake and completion as a preventive health measure among female adolescents

Background: National coverage for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine falls short of the targeted goals for Healthy People 2020 with disparities in completion rates noted in minority adolescent female populations. The purpose of this study was to provide a review of the literature on HPV vaccination uptake and completion rates among female minority adolescents as well as a discussion of the financial and policy dimensions of HPV vaccination with implications that impact uptake and completion rates. Methods: By reviewing the literature, the authors show that the two human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix, have presented unprecedented opportunities to prevent morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer. Conclusion: The authors recommend that nurses and advanced practice nurses take an active role at the point of care to educate families about HPV vaccination. Nursing interventions for practice changes are provided to improve vaccination initiation and completion rates in disadvantaged populations.