Short Communication

British Journal of Cancer (2008) 99, 1908–1911. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6604766 www.bjcancer.com
Published online 4 November 2008

Parental attitudes and information needs in an adolescent HPV vaccination programme

R Stretch1, S A Roberts2, R McCann3, D Baxter4, G Chambers5, H Kitchener1 and L Brabin1

  1. 1Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 OJH, UK
  2. 2Health Methodology Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
  3. 3Greater Manchester Health Protection Unit, Eccles M30 0NJ, UK
  4. 4Public Health Department, Stockport Primary Care Trust, Stockport SK4 1BS, UK
  5. 5Public Health Department, Bury Primary Care Trust, Bury M45 7TA, UK

Correspondence: Dr L Brabin, E-mail: loretta.brabin@manchester.ac.uk

Received 10 September 2008; Revised 3 October 2008; Accepted 8 October 2008; Published online 4 November 2008.

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Abstract

We sent a questionnaire to 38% (1084) of 2817 parents whose daughters had been offered human papillomavirus vaccination and who had agreed to participate. Of these, 60% (651) returned a questionnaire. Responses suggested that fact sheets and parent information evenings confirmed, rather than changed, consent decisions. The views of active refusers on safety and efficacy may be difficult to change, lowering vaccine coverage.

Keywords:

adolescent HPV vaccination, parents, schools, Cervarix, acceptability, information