Does changing the routinely recommended age for HPV vaccination change parental thoughts about vaccinating their adolescent: A mixed-methods analysis.

Parents' thoughts towards HPV vaccination at ages 9-10 instead of 11-12 were assessed via a single quantitative item which also had an open-ended qualitative response option. A total of 2272 parents answered, "Does changing the recommended age for HPV vaccination change your thoughts about obtaining the HPV vaccine for your child?" The majority (89 %, n = 2020) reported no change in their thoughts. Of the 11 % (n = 252) of parents whose thoughts changed, 171 provided an additional qualitative response. The majority (62.9 %) of these parents expressed hesitancy/concerns about lowering the age, primarily centered around sexual activity and growth and development. Parents with positive perceptions of the change expressed trust in provider recommendation and believed in early protection. Parents from both groups had questions about safety at the earlier age. Providers must be prepared to discuss the rationale for age changes and use shared decision-making to promote vaccination series completion by ages 13-15.