Vaccine
Volume 29, Issue 17 pp. 3093-3362 (12 April 2011)
Human papillomavirus vaccine uptake and barriers: Association with perceived risk, actual risk and race/ethnicity among female students at a New York State university, 2010  

Original Research Article  Pages 3138-3143
Robert A. Bednarczyk, Guthrie S. Birkhead, Dale L. Morse, Helene Doleyres, Louise-Anne McNutt

Abstract
Understanding human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake patterns is critical to improve vaccination levels. Approximately half (56%) of female undergraduate students surveyed at a large public university reported HPV vaccine series initiation, with 79% of initiators completing the three dose series. Predictors of series initiation included having a conversation with a health-care provider about the vaccine, reporting a history of sexual intercourse and receipt of the meningitis vaccine. Compared to whites, black/African-American women were 33% less likely to have initiated HPV vaccination. Common reasons for not receiving the HPV vaccine included concerns about vaccine safety and doctors’ not recommending vaccination.