Acceptance and compliance with postpartum human papillomavirus vaccination

OBJECTIVE: Despite the efficacy of vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV), vaccination rates remain low in many countries. We estimated the acceptability and satisfaction of HPV vaccination in postpartum women. METHODS: Postpartum women aged 18-26 years were offered the quadrivalent HPV vaccine. Women were vaccinated during hospitalization after delivery, at the 6-week postpartum visit, and at a third dedicated vaccination visit. The primary outcome was completion of all three vaccinations. Secondary outcomes included the influence of knowledge and attitudes of HPV, decisional conflict, and satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 150 women were enrolled. Overall, seven (4.7%) women did not receive any doses of the vaccine, 62 (41.3%) received one dose, 35 (23.3%) received two doses, and 46 (30.7%) completed the series and received all three doses of the vaccine. Knowledge of HPV and HPV-related disease, attitudes about HPV, and decisional conflict were not associated with completion of the vaccine series (P>.05). The vaccine was well tolerated with few side effects. The majority of women reported a high degree of satisfaction with postpartum vaccination; 97.2% thought vaccination was worthwhile, 98.6% thought postpartum vaccination was convenient, and 99.3% were happy they participated. Furthermore, 50.4% of women reported that they would not have otherwise asked about vaccination. After vaccination, only 17.5% said they would have rather made a separate trip for vaccination. CONCLUSION: A strategy of postpartum HPV vaccination is convenient and associated with a high degree of patient satisfaction.