Impact of pharmacist intervention to promote adult human papillomavirus vaccination in a primary care clinic.

BACKGROUND

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to several cancers including those of the back of the throat, cervical, anal, vulvar, penile, and vaginal. Receiving the HPV vaccine decreases cases of these cancers.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this initiative was to evaluate if pharmacist entry of a pending order for the HPV vaccine increases its administration in a primary care setting.

METHODS

A pre-post quality improvement initiative was conducted from November 2024 through April 2025. The intervention included an embedded ambulatory care pharmacist identifying eligible patients for HPV vaccination and entering a pending order for the HPV vaccine's administration in patients' charts before their primary care provider appointment.

RESULTS

A total of 158 vaccine orders were entered as pending for provider review. Of the 158 orders, 53 (33.5%) were discussed during appointments, resulting in 21 (39.6%) patients receiving their first HPV vaccine. Of these patients, seven (33.3%) completed the HPV vaccine series. Of the 105 orders not discussed, 57 (54.2%) patients missed or rescheduled their appointments.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacist entry of a pending order for the HPV vaccine in patients' charts prompted provider-patient shared clinical decision-making and furthered discussions about HPV vaccination.