Barriers to Receiving the Gardasil Vaccine: a Systematic Review

Abstract

What if I told you there was a vaccine to prevent cancer? The Gardasil vaccine was introduced in 2006 to prevent against four strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) and it has since been improved to cover nine strains. These nine strains have been proven to progress into malignancy or genital warts if they remain untreated. Gardasil is the only vaccine on the market for HPV prevention in males and females. As HPV continues to sit at the number one spot for the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, it is imperative that healthcare providers strive to advocate for HPV prevention in our claimed communities by providing education and resources supporting the Gardasil vaccine. As shown in our literature review, bringing light to barriers related to Gardasil vaccination uptake will empower healthcare providers to prevent the spread of HPV. One significant barrier present in current events is the potential defunding of programs and clinics that provide care tot he underserved population. Defunding of these organizations pose a threat to preventative services such as cervical cancer screening and vaccination. The government defunding of community clinics across the board will give headway for HPV to continue to make its mark on America's current generation and generations to come.