Assessing Health Communication Methods and Interventions for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine and the Associated Consequences Within the United States: A Literature Review

Human papillomavirus has been proven to be linked as a causative agent for anal cancer, cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer (head and neck), penile cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. Thus, HPV infection is a significant public health concern and increasing the vaccination rate within the United States is a public health necessity. Fortunately, the HPV vaccine is highly effective at mitigating the risk of transmission, infection, and an eventual cancer diagnosis. The HPV vaccine is intended for adolescents aged 9 to 17 but can be given to an individual well into adulthood. However, for the vaccine to be given in adolescence, parents, guardians, and caregivers must consent on behalf of their child. As such, when it became apparent that the HPV vaccine was struggling to increase its uptake rate in the United States was low, research needed to be done to understand the underlying reasons, and more importantly, identify strategies to improve vaccination rates nationwide. Research suggests vaccine hesitancy, stigma, and social determinants of health are the largest barriers to vaccination. Studies suggest that health communication strategies play a critical role in identifying effective methods to engage parents, guardians, and caregivers to increase vaccination rates. This literature review aims to analyze modern-day public health interventions and health communications in order to gain insight on the public’s education, understanding, attitudes, and initiation of the HPV vaccine in their children.