Identifying Perceptions and Intent Surrounding the HPV Vaccine

This research analyzed the reasons contributing to Texas' low vaccination rate for HPV. By evaluating data from the CDC National Immunization Survey, I found major trends regarding attitudes and perceptions of the HPV vaccine in Texas. This will contribute to understanding why there is a low completion rate on the patient side, as well as to barriers on the physician side, such as institutional issues or minimal time available for recommending/explaining the HPV vaccine. The research showed county-level differences in differences in HPV vaccine coverage and the concerns patients had about the HPV vaccine. Thus, this research makes the effort to understand the differing attitudes and rationales in the different parties involved in the HPV vaccine, and how these play a role in completion of the vaccine. The results obtained from this study will support possible future interventions to carry out successful programs and possible policies in Texas.