Measuring human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage and the role of the National HPV Vaccination Program Register, Australia

Abstract

Accurate estimates of HPV vaccination coverage are critical for determining the proportion of the target female population that is not protected by the vaccine, as well as for monitoring the performance of vaccine delivery programs. The implementation of an HPV vaccination register, either as part of an existing immunisation register or stand-alone, can add substantial benefits to an HPV vaccination program. In Australia, the National HPV Vaccination Program Register supports the HPV vaccination program by providing information to consumers and providers about incomplete courses as well as estimates of vaccination coverage by age and area. Future monitoring of vaccine effectiveness will be facilitated by cross-linking to Pap test registries.