Scripted for Her: The Pharmacist's Role in HPV Prevention

Human papillomavirus (HPV) represents one of the most common pathogens encountered in community care, yet public knowledge remains signficiantly low.

In this month’s episode of Scripted for Her, Madeline Sutton, MD, MPH, FACOG, a board-certified OBGYN and associate professor at Morehouse School of Medicine, noted that despite widespread viral prevalence, roughly a third of American adults remain unaware of HPV or its vaccine. Because they often serve as the initial health care touchpoint for patients, pharmacists occupy a vital position in educating communities and bridging pervasive knowledge gaps.

HPV includes over 100 viral strains, with about 30 types specifically affecting genital tissue. Transmission occurs readily through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including oral, genital, and hand-to-genital contact, without requiring seminal fluid exchange.¹

Despite viral clearance occurring naturally in about 90% of cases within 12-24 months, non-cleared strains cause non-oncologic manifestations. Specifically, low-risk viral types 6 and 11 cause genital warts, which appear as rough, cauliflower-like growths or skin tags. Although benign, these lesions create significant itching, physical discomfort, and psychological distress for affected women.

Clinical evidence shows that viral acquisition extends across a female lifespan rather than stopping after young adulthood. A large study of over 300,000 unvaccinated women revealed a distinct U-shaped infection pattern over time. Initial incidence peaks among women aged 27-29 at 21% over 5 years, decreases in midlife, and rises again to nearly 16% among women aged 70 and older.²

This late-life increase stems from shifting social networks and potential viral reactivation as immune function naturally changes with age. Additionally, Medicaid enrollees experience higher incidence rates, emphasizing the need for accessible community-based preventive services.

Clinical Interventions and Expanded Immunization

Pharmacists play a key role in promoting immunization across diverse adult populations. Although routine vaccination targets young adolescents, federal guidelines approve administration up to age 45.³

Adult women who previously tested positive for one viral strain still benefit from vaccination against other covered types. Because vaccination requires multiple doses over 4-6 months, community pharmacies provide convenient access when physician office visits are delayed.

Pharmacist interventions, including electronic reminder messaging, phone outreach, and direct counseling, significantly increase series initiation and completion across patient cohorts.³

Screening Linkages and Collaborative Care

Beyond immunization, pharmacists facilitate secondary prevention through modernized screening linkages. Nearly 33% of US women aged 21-29 has never undergone cervical screening. Modern self-collected vaginal swabs allow women to gather samples easily without speculum insertion, offering comparable accuracy with clinician sampling.^2,4

Pharmacies can serve as convenient drop-off sites for laboratory processing, while standard insurance policies cover testing without copayments. Furthermore, pharmacists can counsel patients managing active genital warts on topical treatments like imiquimod or podofilox, as well as office-based procedures like cryosurgery.¹

Through interprofessional collaboration, pharmacists empower women to maintain long-term reproductive health.³

Explore some of the resources mentioned in today’s episode:

• The HPV Vaccine: Access and Use in the U.S.

Scripted for Her, a podcast from Drug Topics hosted by Natalie DiPietro Mager, PharmD, PhD, MPH, professor of pharmacy practice at Ohio Northern University, aims to help pharmacists provide comprehensive care and continuity of care within the women’s health space. All episodes of Scripted for Her are available in video format via DrugTopics.com on the third Wednesday of each month. Check out our most recent episode: Misinformation in Reproductive Health.

REFERENCES

1. HPV (human papillomavirus). Cleveland Clinic. October 21, 2024. Accessed September 16, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11901-hpv-human-papilloma-virus

2. Bergeson L. HPV risk in women extends beyond young adulthood, with late-life increase. University of Minnesota. April 23, 2026. Accessed September 16, 2026. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/human-papillomavirus-hpv/hpv-risk-women-extends-beyond-young-adulthood-late-life-increase

3. Hanifa AN, Insani WN, Abdulah R. Pharmacists' role in HPV vaccine uptake among women: a scoping review of interventions and barriers. Int J Womens Health. 2025 Dec 28;17:5695-5708. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S561011

4. HPV facts for women. International Papillomavirus Society. Accessed September 16, 2026. https://www.askabouthpv.org/hpv-facts/hpv-facts-for-women