Understanding HPV Vaccine Hesitancy and What Helped Hesitant Adopter Parents Have Their Children Vaccinated Despite Their Hesitancy

Abstract

IntroductionSince 2006, an effective vaccine preventing most HPV-related cancers has been available in the US. One out of four parents reported HPV vaccine hesitancy; however, little is known about HPV vaccine-hesitant parents who vaccinate their children (e.g., hesitant adopters). MethodWe use individual interviews (n=8) to explore hesitancy and facilitators for overcoming hesitancy among hesitant adopter parents. We drew a priori codes from the Increasing Vaccination Model (IVM) domains (thoughts and feelings, social processes, and practical concerns) and identified seven emergent secondary themes. ResultsUnderstandable information about safety, side effects, and effectiveness could address HPV vaccine hesitancy. Healthcare professionals, family, friends, and co-workers were trusted vaccine and vaccination information sources. The study documents the lack of access to HPV vaccines with established healthcare providers as a barrier to vaccination. DiscussionThis is the first study of hesitant-adopter parents that expands our understanding of factors driving HPV vaccination among them. Study insights can inform future efforts to increase HPV vaccine uptake among the hesitant.