Effect of HPV vaccine controversy triggered by the presidential debates

BACKGROUND: HPV vaccination has elicited controversy confined to a small but vocal minority of Americans. This study examined how comments about HPV vaccination made during the 2012 presidential Republican debates, which received nationwide coverage, affected parents' decisions. METHODS: In Fall 2010 and 2011, a national sample of parents of males ages 11-17 (n=327) completed online surveys. Baseline data collection occurred before, and follow-up came one to two months after, the presidential candidates' comments. RESULTS: Only 17% of parents had heard that the candidates made comments about HPV vaccine during the debates. Of these parents, most (66%) recalled the comments as being largely against the vaccine, and some (25%) recalled largely favorable comments. Most parents said that the comments did not change their opinions (68%). Belief that HPV vaccine might cause short-term side effects increased between baseline and follow-up more among parents who heard the comments than those who had not heard (p<.001), but belief in lasting health problems was unaffected. Notably, awareness of the comments was not associated with HPV vaccine uptake among parents' adolescent sons (OR=0.39, 95% CI: 0.09-1.71) or change in willingness to vaccinate (p=.47). These findings did not differ by political orientation. CONCLUSIONS: The recent comments during the presidential debates did not appear to have widespread impact and did not affect vaccination behavior, much like the controversy about HPV vaccine putatively causing sexual disinhibition. FUNDING: Supported by a research grant from Merck, with support from UNC Lineberger.