Parental perspectives on vaccinating children against sexually transmitted infections

Knowledge and Attitudes About HPV Infection, HPV Vaccination, and Cervical Cancer Among Rural Southeast Asian Women

“…Numerous studies have demonstrated that public awareness of HPV, perceived risks of HPV infection, and knowledge of potential health consequences of HPV infection are low [8][9][10]. Factors associated with the acceptability of the HPV vaccine are knowledge about the disease, beliefs about vaccines, physician recommendation, previous experience with HPV infections, perceived risk for HPV infection, perceived vaccine safety and efficacy, and perceived vaccination would promote adolescent sexual behavior [11][12][13].…”

The HPV Vaccine Controversy

“…Vaccine coverage is hindered by public perceptions regarding HPV's status as a sexually transmitted infection and dissent over the recommended age of vaccination [60]. Social conservatives have countered vaccine mandates with the argument that they infringe upon parental rights to discuss the topic of sex on their own terms [61].…”

The Promise of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Does Not Confer Immunity Against Ethical Reflection

“…Some believe this could promote conversations about sexual behavior that parents might be unwilling to have or be uncomfortable discussing [34][35][36]. Others think that talk about sex could encourage undesirable behavior, with some parents worrying that consent to have the vaccine could be taken as a warrant for early sexual activity [29][30][31][32][34][35][36].…”

“…Although some parents might worry that vaccination could promote risky sexual behavior, the majority of them concede that the benefits provided from the vaccine outweigh such risks [35][36][37]. Moreover, parents initially opposed to immunization change their minds in favor of allowing vaccination when they are given more information about the virus and its associated ills [38].…”