Trends in sociodemographic factors associated with human papillomavirus vaccine hesitancy in the United States: 2010–2022

Abstract

Background

Previous studies suggest that rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine hesitancy vary by adolescent and parent sociodemographic characteristics. This study assessed trends in the characteristics of parents who did not intend to have their child vaccinated for HPV in the United States.

Methods

The authors used data from the 2010–2022 National Immunization Survey–Teen among adolescents who had received zero doses of the HPV vaccine. Vaccine hesitancy was assessed with the question “How likely is it that your teen will receive HPV shots in the next 12 months?” Parents who responded with “not too likely, “not likely at all,” or “not sure/don't know” were deemed vaccine hesitant. Joinpoint regression estimated yearly increases and/or decreases in vaccine hesitancy by adolescent and mother characteristics through annual percent changes.

Results

A total of 204,196 unvaccinated adolescents were included in the study, 66.0% had parents who were classified as HPV vaccine hesitant. Overall, the proportion of adolescents with mothers who were HPV vaccine hesitant declined from 72% in 2010 to 61% in 2022. Among parents with female children, HPV vaccine hesitancy decreased significantly from 2010 to 2012, increased significantly from 2012 to 2018 followed by a significant decrease from 2018 to 2022. Among parents with male children, HPV vaccine hesitancy decreased significantly from 2010 to 2012 and remained stable from 2012 to 2022. Parents with children of all racial and ethnic groups experienced significant decreases in HPV vaccine hesitancy from 2010 to 2012 and then remained stable from 2012 to 2022.

Conclusions

This study emphasizes the need to dispel misconceptions and create awareness about HPV vaccine across all strata of the society.