CHICAGO (AP) — Researchers say the results of a new survey suggest that some doctors need a clearer understanding of reasons to vaccinate preteens against the cancer-causing human papillomavirus.
The survey in the publication Pediatrics finds that many pediatricians and family doctors are not strongly recommending the cancer-preventing HPV vaccine to preteens and their parents, contributing to low vaccination rates. HPV can cause cervical and other cancers.
The vaccine works best if kids get it before they become sexually active. About one-third of all young people have had sex by age 16.
The most common reasons doctors cited for delaying HPV discussions and vaccinations included a belief that patients hadn't had sex and that parents would object.
A national survey last year found that 60 percent of adolescent girls and only 42 percent of boys had gotten at least one dose of the vaccine. Three doses are recommended.
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246-w-38-(Jennifer King, AP correspondent, with Dr. Mandy Allison, pediatrician and lead author)--A new survey published in the journal Pediatrics shows a vaccination gap that is leaving 11 and 12 year old children vulnerable. AP correspondent Jennifer King has more. (3 Jan 2016)
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249-a-11-(Dr. Mandy Allison, lead author and pediatrician, Children's Hospital Colorado, in AP interview)-"to be male"-Dr. Mandy Allison says the survey uncovered some interesting trends in which doctors aren't strongly recommending HPV vaccine for 11 and 12 year olds. (3 Jan 2016)
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247-a-16-(Dr. Mandy Allison, lead author and pediatrician, Children's Hospital Colorado, in AP interview)-"at that age"-Dr. Mandy Allison says their survey found a vaccination gap for 11 and 12 year olds. (3 Jan 2016)
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248-a-12-(Dr. Mandy Allison, lead author and pediatrician, Children's Hospital Colorado, in AP interview)-"at that age"-Dr. Mandy Allison says they asked doctors about why they weren't recommending the HPV vaccine for 11 and 12 year old patients. (3 Jan 2016)
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Online:
Pediatrics: http://www.pediatrics.org