HPV: A Brief Overview and Recommendations for Pharmacists
HPV: A Brief Overview and Recommendations for Pharmacists
In an effort to increase HPV vaccination rates, it is important that health care professionals, including pharmacists, understand the importance of vaccinating adolescents before they begin sexual activity. Pharmacists should be prepared to discuss the HPV vaccine with parents and young adults for whom the vaccine is indicated, and they should be sure to highlight the role of the vaccine in cancer prevention.
Pharmacists are equipped with the knowledge to provide a definitive recommendation for HPV vaccination (Figure 1). They should have a solid understanding of the vaccine indications and be confident when screening individuals for vaccination status and eligibility. Although parents may wish to protect their children from the complications associated with HPV infections, most are interested in receiving more information about the vaccine before deciding to initiate the series. Pharmacists can help meet this need by having adequate and clear information that is readily accessible to parents. This information should address HPV infection, the risks and benefits of vaccination, safety issues, and the age at which the vaccine should be administered. Pharmacists should also make a strong recommendation for vaccination.
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Figure 1.
Pharmacist checklist for HPV vaccine administration
Parent beliefs that only sexually active individuals need the vaccine should also be addressed. Pharmacists should be comfortable discussing the need to vaccinate regularly at age 11, before sexual activity begins, to provide the highest level of protection for the adolescent. A delay in vaccination may mean infection and a potentially missed opportunity for cancer prevention. Furthermore, pharmacists can communicate the importance of vaccinating both males and females.
Finally, pharmacists should have a plan to facilitate completion of the entire three-dose series. If the vaccine series is initiated at the pharmacy, the date for the second dose should be scheduled before the patient leaves. The importance of receiving all three doses should be emphasized to both the parents and the patient. Pharmacies should develop their own policies regarding reminders for upcoming doses to increase the number of adolescents fully immunized against HPV. For example, a pharmacy may decide to call patients, send an e-mail or text message, or send a postcard regarding upcoming appointments. Pharmacies may also consider contacting individuals who missed a vaccination appointment to receive overdue doses.
Implications for Pharmacists
In an effort to increase HPV vaccination rates, it is important that health care professionals, including pharmacists, understand the importance of vaccinating adolescents before they begin sexual activity. Pharmacists should be prepared to discuss the HPV vaccine with parents and young adults for whom the vaccine is indicated, and they should be sure to highlight the role of the vaccine in cancer prevention.
Pharmacists are equipped with the knowledge to provide a definitive recommendation for HPV vaccination (Figure 1). They should have a solid understanding of the vaccine indications and be confident when screening individuals for vaccination status and eligibility. Although parents may wish to protect their children from the complications associated with HPV infections, most are interested in receiving more information about the vaccine before deciding to initiate the series. Pharmacists can help meet this need by having adequate and clear information that is readily accessible to parents. This information should address HPV infection, the risks and benefits of vaccination, safety issues, and the age at which the vaccine should be administered. Pharmacists should also make a strong recommendation for vaccination.
(Enlarge Image)
Figure 1.
Pharmacist checklist for HPV vaccine administration
Parent beliefs that only sexually active individuals need the vaccine should also be addressed. Pharmacists should be comfortable discussing the need to vaccinate regularly at age 11, before sexual activity begins, to provide the highest level of protection for the adolescent. A delay in vaccination may mean infection and a potentially missed opportunity for cancer prevention. Furthermore, pharmacists can communicate the importance of vaccinating both males and females.
Finally, pharmacists should have a plan to facilitate completion of the entire three-dose series. If the vaccine series is initiated at the pharmacy, the date for the second dose should be scheduled before the patient leaves. The importance of receiving all three doses should be emphasized to both the parents and the patient. Pharmacies should develop their own policies regarding reminders for upcoming doses to increase the number of adolescents fully immunized against HPV. For example, a pharmacy may decide to call patients, send an e-mail or text message, or send a postcard regarding upcoming appointments. Pharmacies may also consider contacting individuals who missed a vaccination appointment to receive overdue doses.
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