Factors associated with intention to obtain HPV vaccination at ages 9-10 among parents with varied prior vaccine decision making experiences and choices.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to understand how a routine HPV vaccine recommendation at age 9-10 rather than 11-12 may influence parents' vaccine intentions, including parents with varied experience/prior choices related to HPV vaccine decision-making. Additionally, we sought to identify factors (older child vaccination status, items informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior, and socio-demographic/health characteristics) associated with vaccine intention for ages 9-10.

METHODS

A national online survey of parents of children ages 9-10 who had not yet received the HPV vaccine was conducted in October 2024. Participants were recruited though a US research panel and assigned to one of three groups: (Group 1) parents without an older child; (Group 2) parents with an HPV-vaccinated older child; or (Group 3) parents with a non-HPV-vaccinated older child. Multivariable linear regression models identified factors associated with HPV vaccine intention at ages 9-10 for each group.

RESULTS

The final sample included 2272 parents (Group 1: 41%, Group 2: 35%, Group 3: 24%). Overall mean score for intention to vaccinate at ages 9-10 was 3.21. Group 2 parents reported the highest perceived benefits and lowest perceived barriers for vaccinating at ages 9-10. Across all groups, those who indicated they follow health care provider recommendations for age of vaccination and those who perceive a benefit to vaccinating as early as possible had greater intentions to vaccinate at ages 9-10.

CONCLUSION

These findings may help to inform health policy related to HPV vaccination and provider communication strategies. Moving the age of routine vaccination to ages 9-10 may not increase overall vaccination rates, but expansion of the age range (9-12) may create opportunities for repetitive provider recommendation and communication strategies that are personalized based on the parents' prior vaccine decision making.