title: Human papillomavirus vaccine national catch-up program - insights into under-notification.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We analysed human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage from the 2007-2009 catch-up program for women aged 18-26 years by Division of General Practice (DGP), alongside a survey about under-notification.
  
  
  METHODS
  Coverage rates were calculated from the National HPV Vaccination Program Register. An online survey of immunisation coordinators in DGP assessed under-notification.
  
  
  RESULTS
  HPV vaccine coverage by DGPs varied greatly: dose 1, 22-70%; dose 2, 13-60%; dose 3, 7-49%. Most coordinators (38/52, 66%) believed that more than 80% of practices notified the register. Perceived notification barriers included being busy, not knowing how to notify, not obtaining consent, insufficient remuneration and delay in register establishment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DGP coverage varied widely. Process barriers (time and resource limitations) probably contributed to under-notification, with informational barriers (unaware how to notify) and motivational barriers (not worth the effort) secondary to this. Differences in reported coverage between DGPs and states reflect both differences in notification rates and underlying HPV vaccine coverage.
authors: MBBS (Hons), MPH, Public Health Registrar, Office of the Chief Health Officer, Department of Health, Melbourne, Victoria; Paediatric Resident, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria.
authors: Ingrid
authors: I
authors: Laemmle-Ruff
authors: Bianca
authors: B
authors: Barbaro
authors: Julia
authors: J
authors: Brotherton
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D032541:Mass Vaccination / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012042:Registries; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines