Steinbaum S, Jagannath J, Seymour L, Corby P, Kulkarni R, France K. Oral healthcare providers play a vital role in vaccination efforts: Patient perspectives.
Clin Exp Dent Res 2023;
9:1169-1179. [PMID:
37803883 PMCID:
PMC10728510 DOI:
10.1002/cre2.777]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with 70% of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the infectious cause of a global pandemic that killed millions worldwide. Effective vaccinations exist against both diseases, but patient acceptance remains a challenge. The objective of this study was to assess patients' attitudes toward oral healthcare providers' (OHCPs) roles in HPV and COVID-19 vaccinations.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey of young adult patients was distributed in Philadelphia, PA, between April and June 2021. The survey assessed knowledge and attitudes around OHCPs serving various roles in COVID-19 and HPV vaccination.
RESULTS
Nearly 70% of 163 respondents would accept the recommendation for a COVID-19 vaccine from an OHCP, while 56% would for HPV. Those previously vaccinated against COVID-19 were more comfortable discussing COVID-19 vaccines (92%, p < .001) or HPV vaccines (76%, p < .001) with OHCPs compared to those who were unvaccinated against COVID-19. African American/Black patients were less comfortable discussing vaccines, irrespective of vaccination status.
CONCLUSIONS
OHCP can play a vital role in increasing the overall COVID-19 and HPV vaccination status of the public, as demonstrated by the high acceptance of dental involvement in both vaccine campaigns. Racial disparity in vaccination attitude is a public health challenge that needs to be addressed.
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