New Study Finds Cost-Effective Provider Education Can Raise HPV Vaccine Initiation Rates
A study published in the February 5, 2025, issue of Pediatrics, “Cost Analysis of a Scalable Clinician Communication Intervention to Increase HPV Vaccine Initiation” (Seixas and Szilagyi), found that the cost of implementing an online communication training for pediatric practices averaged approximately $110 per missed opportunity averted for HPV vaccine initiation at well-child visits.
The study involved 48 primary care pediatric practices that were randomized to online communication training or usual care. The study was conducted during a 6-month period in 2018-2019. Clinicians and office staff completed three 20-minute online modules that covered HPV disease burden, strong and effective HPV recommendations, motivational interviewing techniques, frequently asked questions, and how to engage office staff in HPV vaccine communication. Clinicians also received weekly “Quick Tips” via email or text message.
On average, missed opportunities decreased by 6.8% in the intervention arm compared to the control group at a cost of approximately $110 per missed opportunity averted. Costs were generally attributed to personnel time to view the trainings and attend project meetings.
This study contributes to a menu of relatively low-cost, multi-faceted approaches to improving HPV vaccination rates. Combining provider education with other interventions, such as reminder/recall, has the potential to significantly improve HPV vaccine initiation rates.