Protecting Women Against Human Papillomavirus: Benefits, Barriers, and Evidence-Based Strategies to Increase Vaccine Uptake.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection significantly impacts women, as it can cause cancers and precancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, oropharynx, and anus. However, many of these cancers can be prevented by HPV vaccination. Despite evidence of vaccine effectiveness and safety, vaccination rates remain low. Evidence-based strategies should be utilized to reduce barriers and increase vaccination rates. ©2016 by the North Carolina Institute of Medicine and The Duke Endowment. All rights reserved.