Despite these recommendations, less than 25% of AYA cancer survivors report initiating the
HPV vaccine (Klosky et al., 2017). Cancer survivors are less likely than peers to report a
healthcare provider recommendation for the HPV vaccine, yet provider recommendation is the
strongest predictor for HPV vaccine initiation among cancer survivors (Klosky et al., 2017).
Pediatric hematology/oncology nurses should address this gap by incorporating HPV vaccine
recommendation into hematology/oncology nursing practice. Adolescent and young adult cancer
survivors and patients with hematologic disorders have the right to receive education about
cancer prevention, including the HPV vaccine, and pediatric hematology/oncology nurses have
the responsibility to promote vaccination among cancer survivors and patients with hematologic
disorders.
APHON supports equity of access to HPV immunization.
Economic Considerations
HPV vaccination has been evaluated for cost effectiveness within the United States and
internationally among the general population. The currently recommended nonavalent vaccine is
considered cost effective, particularly when administered during early adolescence (Brisson et
al., 2013; Chesson, Markowitz, Hariri, Ekwueme, & Saraiya, 2016; Simms et al., 2016; World
Health Organization, 2017). In countries with universal health care or school-based
immunization programs, there usually is no cost to the patient. In the United States, the cost of
the HPV vaccine may be covered by private insurance policies, governmental programs, or
pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs (Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 2016).
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