Parent Concerns about HPV Vaccine Safety Growing, Study Finds

HPV vaccination rates in the United States are steadily improving, but a ''sizable number'' of parents remain highly hesitant about giving the vaccine to their children, according to the latest National Immunization Survey. Their top reasons for hesitancy include the belief that it is not necessary, concerns about safety, a lack of recommendation from their healthcare provider, a lack of knowledge, and the fact that their child is not sexually active.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and certain types can cause cervical and other genital cancers. While it’s estimated that more than 70% of U.S. adolescents had started the HPV vaccination series as of 2020, 28% of parents remain reluctant despite consistent evidence of the vaccine’s safety. According to researchers, the number of parents who worry about safety issues or potential side effects jumped nearly 16% from 2010 to 2018.

The authors of the study say that new strategies to combat these concerns and improve confidence in the vaccine are urgently needed. The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for all pre-teens at 11 or 12 years of age.