Human papillomavirus-Inequalities in disease prevention and the impact on racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minorities.

Abstract

HPV, a sexually transmitted viral infection, is the etiological agent of significant dermatologic disease including benign anogenital warts and invasive cancers. Sexual and gender minority individuals are particularly vulnerable to HPV-associated disease due to reduced vaccination rates in these cohorts, low awareness of HPV, lack of provider recommendation, and inadequate consensus guidelines on screening and prevention in these individuals. A targeted approach is needed with regards to vaccination in all children -especially those from racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minorities; provider recommendation, especially from pediatric dermatologists, is crucial. Effort must also be made to use transgender and non-binary affirming language as dividing vaccination programs by anatomic sex and sexuality reinforces problematic notions of gender identity and sexuality, isolating the most vulnerable.