“Why is it so necessary?”: African American Parents’ Perspectives on Delaying and Refusing HPV Vaccination

Abstract

IntroductionThis study aimed to describe the perspectives of parents who had delayed and refused human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for their children, even when it was discussed or recommended by a health care provider, and to identify the factors related to vaccine hesitancy. MethodTwenty predominantly African American parents of children aged 11-17 years were recruited from various community clinics and organizations to participate in focus groups about their decision-making regarding HPV vaccination. Using deductive content analysis and the Vaccine Hesitancy Determinants Matrix, we describe their perspectives and influences on vaccination decision-making. ResultsMultiple reasons emerged, which included concerns about the age of children, perceived discrimination and mistrust based on race and socioeconomic status, and vaccine safety. DiscussionFindings support the development of targeted interventions that address vaccine safety concerns, mistrust, patient-provider communication, and parent education about the benefits of HPV vaccination.