The Importance of Immunizing Adolescent Males with the HPV Vaccine

Amy Beck, MSN, CRNP & Kimberly Budisalich*, MSN, CRNP

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most frequently occurring sexually transmitted disease in the United States (Cipriano, Scoloveno, & Kelly, 2017). The acceptance and uptake of the HPV vaccine have been slower than other recommended adolescent vaccines (McLean et al., 2017). Feminization of HPV and the vaccine has resulted in the low rates of vaccination in males (Daley et al., 2017). The HPV vaccine has the potential to prevent morbidity and mortality in males from HPV related cancers, including penile, anal, and oropharyngeal (Daley et al., 2017). Despite the HPV vaccine proving as an effective way to prevent HPV infection and serve as an essential factor of health promotion for adolescent males, many barriers to immunization remain (Thomas & Snell, 2013). Implementing school-based HPV requirements would improve HPV vaccination rates by normalizing HPV vaccines as a crucial aspect of overall health for everyone (Daley et al., 2017). There are several procedures for healthcare providers to implement to enhance compliance with current recommendations. These include: incorporating HPV immunization implementation into all routine well-child visits in children ages 9-12 years; implementing an office reminder notice system to ensure proper follow up for all refused or missed vaccinations; and utilizing an office reminder notice system to ensure completion of initiated vaccine series. The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss the importance of immunizing adolescent males with the HPV vaccination and discuss methods to incorporate an immunization schedule into clinical practice that will enhance compliance with current guidelines.