Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Coverage in Genesee County: Geographic Disparities and the Need for Community-Partnered Vaccination Efforts

Authors

Olivia G. Aspiras, Michigan State UniversityFollow
JoAnne Herman, Genesee County Health Department
Todd Lucas, Michigan State University
Eric Adjei Boakye, Henry Ford Health System
Ariel Washington, Wayne State University School of Medicine
Hayley S. Thompson, Wayne State University School of Medicine

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Abstract

There are approximately 37,000 new cases of cancer attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV) each year in the United States. The HPV vaccine is generally widely available, low cost, and highly effective in providing long-lasting protection against HPV. Yet, HPV vaccination rates remain suboptimal among children and adolescents in the United States. The present commentary spotlights HPV vaccination within Genesee County. Using data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, we describe the alarmingly low HPV vaccination rates in Genesee County relative to state and national vaccination rates. We then identify potential barriers to vaccination and offer evidence-based strategies for overcoming them, with a focus on equitable, community-engaged efforts. In doing so, we underscore an urgent need for multi-level efforts to increase education and accessibility of HPV vaccination in Genesee County and lay the groundwork for conversations within the community about improving HPV vaccination in Genesee County.

Recommended Citation

Aspiras, Olivia G.; Herman, JoAnne; Lucas, Todd; Adjei Boakye, Eric; Washington, Ariel; and Thompson, Hayley S. (2024) "Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Coverage in Genesee County: Geographic Disparities and the Need for Community-Partnered Vaccination Efforts," Michigan Journal of Public Health: Vol. 11: Iss. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/mjph/vol11/iss1/4