Knowledge of benefits of HPV shots making no impact on vaccination rates

When it comes to disease prevention, experts have always championed the fact that knowledge is power; the more people know about a disease and what causes it, the less likely they are to do things that put themselves at risk. Awareness is key–or so we always thought.

As it turn out, sometimes knowing about a condition isn’t enough to encourage prevention, a baffling revelation medical experts studying HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination rates came across.  According to University of Pennsylvania researchers, neither more nor less knowledge about HPV and the vaccine seemed to have any influence over take-up rate.

SEE ALSO: HPV vaccine for boys: Is it really needed?

“Although knowledge is often assumed to be key to increasing vaccination rates, it may be unwise to place so much promise on knowledge,” said lead author Dr. Jessica Fishman, as reported by MNT. Fishman explained the responsibility of vaccination may ultimately fall to health care providers. “Providers who reduce missed opportunities to offer vaccination, along with convenient and affordable vaccination may be very important.”

Despite a slight increase in vaccination rates, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) consider HPV vaccination at unacceptably low levels. HPV vaccination coverage increased slightly among girls between 2012-13, from 53.8 percent to 57.3 percent, although only a third received the complete three doses. Teenage boys saw a greater increase in vaccination coverage, from 20.8 percent to 34.6 percent.

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The goal is to have at least 80 percent coverage, which the CDC believes is reasonable. “The data on missed vaccination opportunities tells us that it is possible,” states the agency. “When we look at the most recent cohort of girls that turned 13, 91 percent of them had a health care encounter where they could have started the HPV vaccine series before their 13th birthday. Also, 86 percent of 13-17 year-olds have received the Tdap vaccine. What these numbers tell us is that preteens and teens are getting to the doctor and they are getting vaccinated, but they aren’t always receiving the HPV vaccine.”

SEE ALSO: CDC disappointed with HPV vaccine numbers

So if awareness about HPV and its health dangers isn’t what ultimately decides who receives the vaccine, what is?

Researchers feel previous investigations have underestimated the importance of physician recommendations. On their own, parents and teens may understand the risks of HPV but harbor insecurities or stigmas about requesting it. Because of the nature of HPV?a sexually transmitted infection?it can be uncomfortable for parents to discuss it with their children or with a doctor.

If doctors take the initiative and make the recommendation along with a brief reason as to why, all a parent or patient needs to do is say yes or no. This is also an opportune time for doctors to address any issues parents may have, like the misconception that an HPV vaccine will encourage teens to become sexually active.