School children's perceptions about being offered the HPV vaccination - A focus group study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Vaccinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Limited understanding of middle schoolers' views on HPV vaccination.
• School-based health services offer HPV vaccination opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore middle school children's perceptions of HPV vaccination.
• To understand factors influencing HPV vaccine acceptance from a child's perspective.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing focus group interviews.
• Involved 49 children aged 10-11 years in mid-north Sweden.
• Data analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Main Results:

• Children prioritize feeling safe, which is achieved through trusted information and preparation.
• School nurses are viewed as trusted experts for vaccination information, support, and motivation.
• Children expressed a need for improved, age-appropriate information regarding HPV vaccination.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare providers' recommendations significantly impact HPV vaccine acceptance among children.
• Enhanced information strategies for HPV vaccination are essential for children and parents.
• School nurses should actively manage vaccine promotion to better meet children's needs and rights to participation.