Ambivalence, Refusal, and Delay Decrease HPV Vaccine Uptake

Vaccination rates for human papillomavirus (HPV) are lower than rates for other adolescent vaccines. To explore reasons for uptake, delay, or refusal of the HPV vaccine, investigators interviewed 124 parents of girls eligible for HPV vaccination and their 30 primary care providers from one inner-city public clinic and three private practices.

Key points from parents included:

• Forty-four percent reported never being offered the vaccine; their girls were significantly younger than girls offered the vaccine whose parents declined (mean age, 12 vs. 13.5 years).

• Many reported that HPV vaccine was presented as optional, not recommended (“… it wasn't like, ‘your daughter should have this …' ”).

• Some reported that providers indicated vaccination was un…