ASPO Abstracts
Reasons that mothers decline the HPV vaccine for their children: A qualitative study
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication, Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2018
Abstract Body:
Purpose: To examine reasons mothers decline the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine after the major barriers of information about the vaccine and cost were addressed by a vaccination program. Understanding why parents decline this vaccine can assist efforts to improve vaccination rates in pediatric clinics. Methods: Data were from a qualitative evaluation of parents of 9-17 year old children who declined the HPV vaccine after receiving information about it in 2 participating pediatric clinics. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were audio- recorded, and transcriptions were made and checked by a second reviewer. We used thematic analyses to identify themes and sub-themes related to reasons why the HPV vaccine was declined. Results: Eleven mothers of vaccine-eligible children participated. While most mothers felt positive about vaccines in general and felt they helped their children, some expressed reservations about individual vaccines that they perceived as being new or associated with negative outcomes. Mothers who declined the HPV vaccine felt it was too new and untested, was not effective enough, or might have bad side effects. Some perceived that their children were too young to get the HPV vaccine, and that their children were too young to think about sex. Mothers with children 9-10 years of age mentioned that the guidelines recommended the vaccine for children 11 to 12 years old, and did not want to get it until they reached the recommended age. Others indicated they were contemplating getting the vaccine for their children, or intended for them to get it when they are older. Many of these mothers wanted to search for more information on their own before having their children vaccinated. Conclusion: These findings reveal the need for providers to stress to vaccine-hesitant parents that the HPV vaccine is well-tested, effective, and has been safely administered adolescents in the US and worldwide for more than 10 years. Further, parents need to be informed that immune response is stronger in young adolescents and fewer doses are recommended for protection in adolescents under 15 years of age.
Keywords: HPV vaccination; reason for declining HPV vaccine