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

Abstract

Introduction: 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).

Method: We 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 domains and identified seven emergent secondary themes.

Results: Understandable information about safety, side effects, and effectiveness could address HPV vaccine hesitancy. Health care professionals, family, friends, and coworkers were trusted vaccine and vaccination information sources. The study documents the lack of access to HPV vaccines with established health care providers as a barrier to vaccination.

Discussion: This 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.

Keywords: HPV vaccine hesitancy; Vaccine hesitancy; hesitant adopter parents; hesitant adopters; vaccination decision-making.