Objective
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has proven to be effective for prevention of HPV infection and HPV-associated precancerous cervical lesions. However, HPV vaccination rates have remained flat, and whether or not to vaccinate has become a social issue. In the United States in 2013, HPV vaccine coverage for girls ages 13-17 years was only 57%. A notable inhibitory factor to getting vaccinated has been reports of possible adverse effects. Safety concerns among US parents have increased (4.5% in 2008 to 16.4% in 2010), as have intentions not to vaccinate their daughters against HPV (39.8% in 2008 to 43.9% in 2010; odds ratio for trend, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.13).
Study Design
In Japan, financial support of the government was initiated from 2011, and recommendation was initiated in April 2013. However, Japan has failed to capitalize on the HPV vaccine’s potential for cervical cancer prevention. Japanese media reports in May and June 2013 concerning the vaccine’s potential for adverse effects including complex regional pain syndrome and suspension of the government’s recommendation for the vaccination on June 14, 2013, have led to public distrust and a dramatic decrease in HPV vaccination rates. To demonstrate the depth of the problem, we analyzed the HPV vaccine coverage for 7th-grade girls in Sakai, Japan. We looked at those who had initiated their 3-dosage series either before or after the negative media reports ran. Girls from 7-11th grade were vaccination targets, with vaccinations at the 7th-grade level being the most desirable.
Study Design
In Japan, financial support of the government was initiated from 2011, and recommendation was initiated in April 2013. However, Japan has failed to capitalize on the HPV vaccine’s potential for cervical cancer prevention. Japanese media reports in May and June 2013 concerning the vaccine’s potential for adverse effects including complex regional pain syndrome and suspension of the government’s recommendation for the vaccination on June 14, 2013, have led to public distrust and a dramatic decrease in HPV vaccination rates. To demonstrate the depth of the problem, we analyzed the HPV vaccine coverage for 7th-grade girls in Sakai, Japan. We looked at those who had initiated their 3-dosage series either before or after the negative media reports ran. Girls from 7-11th grade were vaccination targets, with vaccinations at the 7th-grade level being the most desirable.
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