Successful Use of Interventions in Combination to Improve Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Coverage Rates Among Adolescents—Chicago, 2013 to 2015

Abstract

In 2013, National Immunization Survey-Teen data indicated that >40% of female adolescents had not initiated the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series and >60% had not completed the series, documenting vaccination rates much lower than those for other vaccines recommended for adolescents. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) was 1 of 22 jurisdictions nationwide to receive a Prevention and Public Health Fund award through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve HPV vaccination rates among adolescents. The CDPH implemented 5 interventions targeting the public, clinicians and their staff, and diverse immunization and cancer prevention stakeholders. Compared with 2013 jurisdiction-specific HPV vaccination rates among all adolescents, Chicago's HPV vaccination rates were increased significantly in 2014 and 2015. This article details the methods and results of Chicago's successful interventions, the particular strengths as well as barriers encountered, and future steps necessary for sustaining improvement.