- Jennifer A Wick: West Virginia University School of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Morgantown, WV.
- Betsy M Elswick: West Virginia University School of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Morgantown, WV.
OBJECTIVES: (1) Define parental perceptions of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine and awareness of vaccine administration at community pharmacies (2) Describe parental intentions to have children vaccinated against HPV (3) Describe reasoning process behind parental vaccination intentions (4) Assess impact of pharmacist-led education on these perceptions and intentions.
METHODS: This was a prospective pretest, posttest study with a convenience sample conducted at parenting groups throughout northern West Virginia in 2018. Participants, a total of 34 parents/guardians, attended an educational session regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination with immediate pre/post survey. The survey asked participants about their HPV vaccination history, personal perceptions regarding the HPV vaccine, age and gender of their children, overall immunization status of the child, current intent regarding the HPV vaccine, parents' preferred resources for vaccine information, awareness of HPV vaccine availability in community pharmacies, as well as parent developed environment (rural, suburban, urban, etc.), race, age, marital status, education, and income level.
RESULTS: Following intervention, intention to vaccinate according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations increased from 35% (n=12) to 44% (n=15). The percentage of participants against vaccinating decreased from 23% (n=8) to 12% (n=4). Participants demonstrated increased awareness of HPV vaccine availability at community pharmacies, with awareness increasing from 32% (n=11) to 100% (n=34).
CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacist delivered education may be useful in increasing parent/legal guardian awareness of immunization services as well as intention to vaccinate their child.