Barbaro, B.Brotherton, J.2015-10-202015-10-202014Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2014; 38(5):419-4231326-02001753-6405http://hdl.handle.net/2440/95470Objective: To determine whether HPV vaccine coverage in 12–13-year-olds varies by geographical area, remoteness and ecological level indicators of socioeconomic status (SES). Method: Data from the National HPV Vaccination Program Register (NHVPR) were analysed at Statistical Local Area (SLA) level, by the Index of Relative Disadvantage (IRSD) and the Australian Standard Geographical Classication Remoteness Structure. Results: Nationally, 73% of females aged 12–13 years in 2007 were fully vaccinated against HPV. Coverage in low SES areas (71.5%) was 4.1 percentage points lower than coverage in high SES areas (75.6%). Uptake of the rst two doses was higher in the very remote parts of Australia (dose 1 – 88.5%, dose 2 – 81.8%) than in major cities (dose 1 – 83.4%, dose 2 – 80.2%), but not for dose 3 where coverage in major cities was 3% higher (73.6% versus 71.4%). Conclusion: Notications of HPV vaccine doses delivered to females aged 12–13 through schools suggest a high and relatively equal uptake across socioeconomic groups. Females in remote regions have the highest uptake of dose 1 but are least likely to complete the course. This may be due to particular challenges in vaccine delivery to residents of remote areas.en© 2014 Public Health Association of AustraliaHuman papillomavirus (HPV); vaccine; health inequality; socioeconomic status; remotenessJournal article003002296710.1111/1753-6405.122180003427651000072-s2.0-84908222455116636