NCI Office of Data Sharing (ODS) Data Jamboree (Abstract Submissions): Submission #43

Submission information
Submission Number: 43
Submission ID: 145335
Submission UUID: 53aaa8d0-c533-4f86-86cb-10d968f2b928

Created: Tue, 06/24/2025 - 18:46
Completed: Tue, 06/24/2025 - 18:46
Changed: Tue, 06/24/2025 - 18:46

Remote IP address: 10.208.24.68
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
First Name Jennifer
Middle Initial Marie
Last Name Torres Del Valle
Degree(s) PhD, MPH,MA
Position/Title/Career Status Post Doc in Clinical & Translational Research/ Public Health Program Administrator
Organization Pennsylvania Department of Health/University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus
Organization Address Harrisburgh, PA
Email jennifer.torres@upr.edu
Other (Please Specify)
Abstract Category Building specific disease cohorts, or visualization techniques
Abstract Keywords HPV, Adolescent Immunizations, Cancer Prevention, Public Health Registry, Vaccine Disparities
Abstract Title Leveraging Statewide Immunization Data to Identify Gaps and Opportunities in Adolescent HPV Vaccination Coverage in Pennsylvania
Abstract Summary Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a proven strategy to prevent several HPV-related cancers, including cervical and oropharyngeal cancers. However, adolescent HPV vaccination rates in Pennsylvania remain below national targets, with only 61.4% of adolescents completing the series as of 2023. Disparities in vaccine uptake are most pronounced in rural and underserved communities, where healthcare access is limited and vaccine hesitancy is rising. To address these challenges, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is launching a statewide initiative to establish a comprehensive adolescent immunization baseline using the Pennsylvania Immunization Electronic Registry System (PIERS). This system provides de-identified, dose-specific records that will be analyzed by age, geography, race/ethnicity, and insurance type to identify vaccination coverage gaps. Although PIERS does not collect socioeconomic data, geographic markers will allow linkage with external datasets to approximate social risk factors. In Year 1, we will focus on building the dataset, validating record completeness, and mapping disparities. A provider and community survey will also assess vaccine confidence and barriers to HPV and other adolescent vaccine uptake. An additional goal is to define data-driven benchmarks for immunization coverage across different regions and populations. These benchmarks will serve as reference points to measure progress and guide future programmatic decisions. Findings will support the development of targeted interventions in Years 2–3, with an emphasis on improving HPV uptake and reducing disparities. This initiative aligns with national goals in the CDC’s Vaccination Strategic Plan and Healthy People 2030 and supports childhood cancer prevention by improving access to the HPV vaccine. By presenting at the NCI Inaugural Data Jamboree, we aim to demonstrate how statewide immunization data can inform benchmarks, close equity gaps, and advance early cancer prevention strategies.
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