Human papillomavirus vaccination rates in adolescents with cerebral palsy compared to the general population

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine whether adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) initiate and are up-to-date with the human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization series compared to adolescents in the general population. METHODS: Data on initiation and up-to-date status of the HPV series were collected on adolescents with CP aged 13–17 years old (n = 74) via retrospective medical record review and compared to 616 age-matched peers from the National Immunization Survey, Teen 2019. Analysis by gender, Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) level, and ambulatory status was performed in the CP group. RESULTS: Adolescents with CP were three times less likely to start (p < 0.001) and two times less likely to be up-to-date (p = 0.004) with the HPV immunization series compared to age-matched peers. When the HPV immunization series was initiated in adolescents with CP, these adolescents were as likely to complete the series (p = 0.400), with 83.3% being up-to-date. In those with CP, there was no statistical difference in status of the HPV immunization series when comparing gender, GMFCS level, or ambulatory status. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with CP were less likely to start the HPV immunization series; however, they were as likely to be up-to-date with the series if it was initiated. This presents an opportunity for pediatric physiatrists to help reduce the disparity.