Which HPV vaccination model in Aotearoa New Zealand achieves the highest coverage amongst adolescents?

Delivery of a full course of HPV vaccines before the onset of sexual maturity is an effective form of protection against the virus. In Aotearoa, HPV was included in the National Immunisation Schedule in 2008, and since then these vaccinations have primarily been delivered through a school-based vaccination programme. Canterbury was the only region to deliver HPV vaccines through GPs, although in 2016 Canterbury adopted a mixed model approach, utilising both GPs and schools.

My principal research aim is to evaluate HPV vaccination coverage in Canterbury relative to other regions in Aotearoa, from 2008 to 2023, and determine whether there are any differences in coverage due to Canterbury’s unique model.

This project also aims to determine how HPV vaccination coverage differs by ethnicity, both across time and across the regions. I wish to investigate whether the mode of vaccination delivery impacts HPV vaccine inequities due to ethnicity, particularly amongst Māori and Pacific populations. This aim helps align this project with the Te Niwha Principles, Mission and Charter. 

This is a repeated cross-sectional analysis based on annual data from the Aotearoa Immunisation Register to identify any trends. This data records all vaccination events, as well as sex, age, ethnicity and domicile code.

This project will provide evidence of the most successful HPV vaccination programme, with significant implications for Aotearoa. The results and conclusions may guide policymakers and health professionals on the efficient delivery of HPV vaccines, and as HPV vaccination coverage increases, the risk of associated cancers and morbidities decreases. Additionally, this research aims to improve vaccine equity. By identifying the HPV vaccination programme that achieves the highest coverage across all demographics, particularly amongst Māori and Pacific populations, we can suggest changes to our current nationwide programmes to ensure equitable protection for all populations within Aotearoa.

Throughout my project I have interacted with many important stakeholders, and it is important to feed back to all of them individually and inform them of how their shared knowledge has been utilised. Additionally, my research findings will likely be published once the thesis is finished, and I intend to present at various events to reach a broad audience. I am especially interested in sharing my research at the 2024 Te Niwha summit with my generous sponsors and other infectious disease professionals. My mission is to inform professionals and the public about the best methods for HPV vaccine delivery, and the importance of this life-saving vaccine.

Associate Professor Phil Hider Department of Population Health - University of Otago | Primary Supervisor
Research Associate Professor Andy Anglemyer Department of Preventative and Social Medicine - University of Otago | Supervisor
Associate Professor Tony Walls Department of Paediatrics - University of Otago | Supervisor