Strengthening HPV vaccination delivery: findings from a qualitative service evaluation of the adolescent girls' HPV vaccination programme in England.
Paterson, P;
Mounier-Jack, S;
Saliba, V;
Yarwood, J;
White, J;
Ramsay, M;
Chantler, T;
(2019)
Strengthening HPV vaccination delivery: findings from a qualitative service evaluation of the adolescent girls' HPV vaccination programme in England.
Journal of public health, 43 (1).
pp. 189-196.
ISSN 1741-3842
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdz061
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BACKGROUND: In 2014, the number of HPV vaccine doses given to adolescent girls as part of the English school-based immunization programme was reduced from three to two. This was based on evidence that a two-dose schedule provides long-lasting protection against HPV infection. In 2015/16 a small decline in HPV vaccination coverage in adolescent girls was noted; from 86.7% for the three-dose schedule in 2013/14 to 85.1% for the two-dose schedule. This evaluation examined whether service-related factors contributed to this decline. METHODS: In May-August 2017, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 39 participants responsible for commissioning or delivering immunization programmes in six local authorities in the South West, North Central Midlands and South Central Midlands, England. RESULTS: Effective planning and data management were key for successful service provision of HPV vaccination, as well as close collaboration between commissioners, service providers and data system managers, a team skill mix with experienced staff, pro-active engagement with schools and service providers equipped to respond to parental concerns. CONCLUSIONS: To maintain and improve the high HPV adolescent girls' vaccine coverage rates achieved in England, in the context of an expanding school-based immunization programme, it is essential to strengthen the organizational capacity of the delivery system.