Investigating HPV Vaccine Hesitancy

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, affecting both men and women at high rates. Despite strong clinical evidence supporting the HPV vaccine's effectiveness in preventing infection and infection-related cancers and multiple public health campaigns, vaccination rates remain low. Additionally, studies have shown that men, those born outside of the USA, and Asian, Black and Hispanic women are less likely to receive the vaccine. Currently, there is limited research on how stigma surrounding sexual health and perceptions of HPV influence vaccine hesitancy. To address this gap, we surveyed 222 parents and guardians to examine the impact of stigma, vaccine hesitancy, and public media on their vaccination decisions. In this poster, we present the key factors that most significantly shaped their choices.