Grant Details
Grant Number: |
5R01CA240649-05 Interpret this number |
Primary Investigator: |
Kempe, Allison |
Organization: |
University Of Colorado Denver |
Project Title: |
The Hpv9-10 Trial: Early Initiation of HPV Vaccination |
Fiscal Year: |
2024 |
Abstract
Project Summary
The burden of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related disease in the US is substantial. A safe and effective
vaccine has been available for >10 years, yet the current rate of completion for the HPV series is only 49% for
U.S.13-17 year olds. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine HPV
vaccination at age 11-12 years (yrs), but states that the vaccine “can be given starting at age 9 years.”
Currently, the majority of pediatricians begin recommending the vaccine at ages 11-12 yrs, however, a recent
retrospective study showed that on-time completion rates for HPV vaccine were much higher when the vaccine
series was initiated at ages 9-10 compared to ages 11-12 (adjusted odds ratio, 12.8).
HPV vaccine should be given prior to sexual activity which occurs earlier than 13 yrs for many teens.
There are compelling reasons to think that earlier initiation of vaccination at ages 9-10 might result in higher
rates of acceptance of the vaccine and earlier series completion. First, many parents refuse HPV vaccine
because they have concerns that vaccination could result in higher promiscuity in early adolescents if the
vaccine is discussed in the context of sexuality. Initiation at 9-10 yrs, when few providers discuss sex,
could put the focus squarely on cancer prevention, decreasing vaccine refusal. Second, three vaccines
are recommended at the 11-12 yr visit, but many parents/adolescents are unwilling to receive all three at
one visit. When one of the vaccines is delayed, it is almost always HPV vaccine. Initiation at 9-10 yrs
when no other vaccines are given could result in less deferral of vaccination to mid-adolescence and
higher rates of vaccination prior to early sexual activity. Finally, initiation at age 9-10 years has been
shown to be feasible and, in an observational study, to result in higher rates of on-time series completion.
Therefore, we plan to test the effectiveness of shifting initiation of HPV vaccine to 9-10 yrs in a randomized
pragmatic trial. Our Specific Aims are to: SA 1: Recruit practices in two states (Colorado and California),
randomize in a balanced fashion to recommending HPV vaccine at ages 9-10 yrs or 11-12 yrs and provide
standardized training to both arms. SA 2: Conduct a trial to assess effectiveness of early initiation on the 1⁰
outcome of age at HPV series completion; secondary outcomes will examine HPV series completion by
age 13 and age at HPV series initiation. SA 3: Examine the effect of earlier initiation on length of time for
HPV vaccine discussions and on parent/provider communication about HPV vaccine via audio-taping of
visits, audio-elicitation interviews with parents and structured interviews with providers and clinic staff. If
earlier HPV initiation is successful in promoting higher HPV series completion by 13 yrs, this intervention
could be rapidly disseminated and would have the potential to prevent thousands of cases of HPV-related
cancers, their attendant morbidity and mortality as well as the costs of screening, diagnosis and treatment
for these cancers yearly.
Publications
Perceived Effects of COVID-19 on Vaccine Hesitancy and Clinician Discussion: A Qualitative Study.
Authors: Gurfinkel D.
, Tietbohl C.
, Clark E.
, Saville A.
, Albertin C.
, O'Leary S.T.
, Szilagyi P.G.
, Kempe A.
.
Source: Pediatrics, 2024-09-06 00:00:00.0; 154(4), .
EPub date: 2024-09-06 00:00:00.0.
PMID: 39238446
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