Early Adolescent Immunization Schedule Preferences: U.S. National Online Survey of Parents of Children Aged 9-10 Years.

PURPOSE: This study elicited parent/guardian preferences regarding immunization schedules for their 9-10-year-old children.

METHODS

As part of a US survey of parents/guardians of children aged 9-10 years, we elicited preferences across 4 early adolescent vaccination schedule scenarios, including the currently recommended schedule and schedules including administration of human papillomavirus (HPV) at age 9. Chi-square tests evaluated differences in preferences by the child's HPV vaccination status and by parental intent to vaccinate.

RESULTS

Most parents/guardians preferred the current schedule (52.1%) and most chose early initiation of HPV vaccination (i.e., HPV at age 9, second dose at age 10, with tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis and meningococcal ACWY at age 11) as least preferred (53.9%). Preferences varied significantly by the child's current HPV vaccination status and by the intent to vaccinate.

DISCUSSION: Given the variability in preferences, expanding the targeted ages for routine HPV vaccination to 9-12 years may ensure the broadest acceptance of HPV vaccination as part of the early adolescent schedule.