Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Coverage in Genesee County: Geographic Disparities and the Need for Community-Partnered Vaccination Efforts

There are approximately 37,000 new cases of cancer attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV) each year in the United States. The HPV vaccine is generally widely available, low cost, and highly effective in providing long-lasting protection against HPV. Yet, HPV vaccination rates remain suboptimal among children and adolescents in the United States. The present commentary spotlights HPV vaccination within Genesee County. Using data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, we describe the alarmingly low HPV vaccination rates in Genesee County relative to state and national vaccination rates. We then identify potential barriers to vaccination and offer evidence-based strategies for overcoming them, with a focus on equitable, community-engaged efforts. In doing so, we underscore an urgent need for multi-level efforts to increase education and accessibility of HPV vaccination in Genesee County and lay the groundwork for conversations within the community about improving HPV vaccination in Genesee County.