Influenza and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Utilisation in Vulnerable Urban Youth in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

INTRODUCTION

This project explores influenza and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine utilisation among a multi-ethnic group of youth (aged 11-23 years) in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

METHOD: Using a cross-sectional design and purposive sampling, influenza vaccine utilisation over 3 years was assessed via questionnaire. Female participants also reported on HPV vaccine utilisation. Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the factors associated with vaccine utilisation.

RESULTS

In the project sample, 16.7% of males and 14.7% of females had received the influenza vaccine each year. The lowest rates of influenza vaccination were reported by African/Middle Eastern/Latin American youth (8.3%), Indigenous youth (10.8%), and youth > 18 years (12.6%). For the HPV vaccine, 61.1% of females reported having received all doses, while 21.9% were unvaccinated. Rates of HPV vaccine utilisation were lowest among females of Asian origin, females aged 18-23 years, and females residing in Canada for < 5 years.

DISCUSSION: Observed associations between age, ethnicity, and vaccine utilisation in this study highlight potential barriers and warrant further research to inform policymaking.