Summary
Published Date: June 01, 2012
Uninsured and low-income parents as well as those with public insurance coverage, such as Medi-Cal, were less likely to know about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which prevents cervical cancer among young women, than those who were insured and had middle and high-incomes, according to this study in The American Journal of Managed Care. The authors analyzed 2007 data from the California Health Interview Survey, and found that among those who had heard of the vaccine, which is given in three doses, 16 percent of adults and 21 percent of girls aged eight to 17 had received at least one dose. Among those who had received at least one dose of the vaccine, 36 percent of adults and 43 percent of young girls had received all three doses.
Although there has been significant and widespread media and advertising campaigns by both vaccine manufacturers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the ads appear to have failed to reach lower-income adults and parents, those with public insurance coverage, Latinos and Asian Americans, and African-American parents, the authors noted. They suggested tailoring public outreach campaigns to diverse cultures in such multicultural states as California and also addressing such barriers as vaccine costs.
Publication Authors:
Although there has been significant and widespread media and advertising campaigns by both vaccine manufacturers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the ads appear to have failed to reach lower-income adults and parents, those with public insurance coverage, Latinos and Asian Americans, and African-American parents, the authors noted. They suggested tailoring public outreach campaigns to diverse cultures in such multicultural states as California and also addressing such barriers as vaccine costs.
Publication Authors:
- Nadereh Pourat, PhD
- Jenna Jones, MPH