Administration of HPVV to Males in a Large, Urban STD Clinic

Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a recognized cause of genital warts and cancers including those of the cervix, anus, vulva, and oropharynx. In October 2009, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices issued a permissive recommendation for quadrivalent HPV vaccine (HPVV) in males. In January 2010, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) STD Clinic began offering HPVV to men aged 12-18 years and expanded to 26 years in May 2010.

Objectives: To assess the impact of provision of HPVV to males at an urban STD clinic.

Methods: Data assessed include citywide HPVV administrations recorded in the KIDS Immunization Registry and male visits to the PDPH STD clinic for the period between January 3, 2010 and June 30, 2011. Descriptive analysis was performed for HPVV administrations in Philadelphia and the STD clinic.

Results: Since the recommendation, approximately 22,867 HPVV doses have been administered to males in Philadelphia – approximately 1,088 per month. These are primarily first doses (72%) with a median age at first dose of 14.8 years. The PDPH STD clinic was the largest vaccination site – providing 8% of HPVV doses administered to males citywide. Of the 7,898 STD clinic visits made by eligible males, HPVV was given at 1,933 (24%) visits and 564 (7%) had refusal documented. Males who accepted vaccination were significantly more likely to self-report as men who have sex with men (MSM) compared with those who did not get vaccinated (p < .001).

Conclusions: HPV vaccine uptake among males in Philadelphia has been good. The PDPH STD clinic has contributed significantly in this effort.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research: STD clinic provision of HPVV to males is feasible and can impact citywide vaccine coverage and completion rates.