Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) have a strong association with one another, including the development of HPV-related neoplasms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine HPV vaccination in persons aged 9-26, and consideration can be made to vaccinate up to age 45 based on provider discretion. This study aimed to look at the rate of HPV vaccination in adult HIV-positive patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study looking at 71 current patients of an HIV clinic at Hackensack University Health. The entire clinic patient list was included. Exclusion criteria were anyone under age 18. Chart review and calls to the patient's pharmacy were done to record the patient's HPV vaccination history. From there, the number of patients eligible to receive the HPV vaccine was calculated based on routine schedule as well as increasing the eligible age up to 44. RESULTS: Only three patients had a history of receiving the HPV vaccine (4.23%). Using the routine vaccination schedule, there were five patients eligible to receive the HPV vaccine (7%). When using the extended vaccination schedule up to age 44, there were a total of 35 patients eligible to receive the HPV vaccine (49.30%). CONCLUSION: There are a substantial number of HIV-positive patients who would benefit from HPV vaccination. This is especially true if the provider chooses to use the extended vaccination schedule. Providers working with HIV-positive patients should probe about vaccination history and intervene as appropriate.