Human Papillomavirus Prevalence and Vaccination Rates Among Users of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention

Abstract

Introduction: Our study provides data on the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) related disease and vaccination rates among users of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in a primary care clinic. Results highlight an opportunity to partner HIV and HPV prevention efforts. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of PrEP patients in an urban Midwestern Family Medicine clinic. We conducted univariate analyses for HPV vaccination status and the prevalence of any HPV-related disease. We then examined bivariate relationships between vaccination status and insurance coverage, provider type, and age. Results: Of all 78 PrEP patients identified, 21.8% (n = 17) were vaccinated. Of the 59 patients 45 years or younger, 28.8% (n = 17) were vaccinated. There was no association between insurance or provider type and vaccination status. Patients 26 years or younger were 3 times more likely to be vaccinated than those ages 27 to 45 (56.3% vs 18.6%, P = .0011). Three unvaccinated patients had HPV-related disease. Conclusions: Despite ongoing risk of HPV infection and frequent interaction with the medical system, this study found most PrEP users continue to be unvaccinated. This is a significant missed opportunity for HPV prevention. With the FDA approval of the HPV vaccine for individuals age 9 to 45, PrEP patients in this age range would benefit from clinicians partnering HPV vaccination with PrEP prescribing.

Viral Hepatitis and Human Papillomavirus Vaccination During HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis: Factors Associated With Missed Vaccination

“…13 Although vaccine hesitancy has been reported to be less frequent among PrEP users when compared with the general population, there might be uninvestigated factors associated with missing these vaccinations among PrEP users. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Moreover, understanding which subgroups among PrEP users require focus regarding the offer of these vaccinations might help clinicians deliver a more personalized approach and, in a long-term scenario, develop new delivery strategies concerning already available vaccinations and new investigated products. The aims of this study were to describe among MSM accessing PrEP, the HAV, HBV, and HPV serologic status and vaccination history; analyze vaccinations uptake after PrEP prescription; protection rates for HAV, HBV, and HPV; and evaluate factors associated with the lack of triple vaccination (HAV, HBV, and HPV).…”