In regard to: "Why is it appropriate to recommend human papillomavirus vaccination as cervical cancer prevention?" REPLY

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Robert Bednarczyk, Emory University; Daniella Figueroa-Downing, Emory University; Kevin Ault, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2016-05-01
• Publisher: MOSBY-ELSEVIER
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2015.12.059
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
• Volume: 214
• Issue: 5
• Start Page: 667
• End Page: 668
• Grant/Funding Information: This manuscript was supported in part by NIH grant 1K01AI106961-A1.
• Keywords: Life Sciences & Biomedicine; ADOLESCENTS; Science & Technology; Obstetrics & Gynecology

Abstract

Regarding the improvement of health care provider recommendations for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, we agree that there is a difficult balance between the time available for discussions of vaccination amidst the other competing priorities at each preventive care visit, compounded by the need for adolescents to come in for routine preventive care.1 We believe that creating an environment where HPV vaccination is consistently recommended to all adolescents, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status is necessary.1 More research is needed to determine the optimal methods to inform adolescents and their parents about HPV vaccination that can streamline the provider recommendation process. Effective communication regarding vaccination at all stages of the clinical visit – appointment scheduling, check-in, clinical intake, provider encounter, and future visit scheduling – can help practices reinforce the importance of vaccination as a routine component of care, while maximizing the opportunities for information provision and questions.1