Young People and the HPV Vaccine: Awareness and Challenges

HPV (the human papillomavirus) is a common virus that spreads easily and can lead to various types of cancer, including cervical cancer. Romania has the highest levels of incidence and mortality from cervical cancer in the EU: the incidence is 2.5 times higher than the European average and the mortality rate is over 4 times higher (ReThinkHPVaccination).

In Romania, starting from December 2023, HPV vaccination is included in the National Immunization Program and can be administered by family doctors. These vaccines are free for girls and boys aged 11-18 and 50% reimbursed for women over 19 years old (EuropeanCancer.org). However, HPV vaccination remains an optional service, risking the exclusion of the most vulnerable children.

The most recent poll conducted by U-Report Romania, which involved several hundred respondents, shows that, although most adolescents and young people aged 15 to 24 are aware of HPV and the available preventive vaccine, there are still numerous barriers and challenges that prevent vaccination among them.

60% of respondents are aware of HPV, nearly a quarter (23%) have not heard of this virus, and 14% are unsure what HPV means.

The poll also revealed the intention to vaccinate among respondents and the reasons behind it as follows:

- Among the 27% of respondents who mentioned they are already vaccinated, 66% got vaccinated to protect themselves, 13% because they were advised by parents, and only 9% because they were advised by a doctor.

- 50% of respondents would be willing to get vaccinated, although almost half of them consider the vaccine too expensive.

- 14% of respondents are undecided about getting vaccinated, mostly due to a lack of information (78%).

- Only 6% of the adolescents who responded to this questionnaire do not wish to get vaccinated, either due to a lack of trust in vaccines or fear of side effects.

Regarding the sources of information for respondents, four out of ten adolescents prefer to receive information directly from doctors or healthcare workers, while three out of ten opt for sources such as the internet and social media.

At the end of the questionnaire, young people were invited to mention their recommendations for influencing authorities regarding HPV vaccination, and the most common suggestions are the following:

1. Organizing promotional and informational campaigns through family doctors, school clinics, or social media.

2. Presenting the risks associated with HPV and the benefits of the vaccine in schools and providing correct and complete information to young people about HPV and the vaccine.

3. Requesting 100% compensation for the vaccine for young people up to 26 years old, and partial reimbursement for a wider age range.

4. Sending requests and petitions to the Ministry of Health, organizing protests, rallies, and public debates, as well as using social media to increase visibility and pressure on the government.

5. Involving County Student Councils and the National Student Council in various campaigns and uniting youth representation structures to influence health policies.

This U-Report poll highlights that although there is awareness regarding HPV and the associated vaccine, accessibility and correct information remain major challenges. It is clear that adolescents and young people are willing to get vaccinated if they receive the necessary information and support, and efforts to influence health policies should focus on education, information, and eliminating financial and access barriers. Thus, increasing vaccination rates and reducing the incidence of HPV-caused cancer can become achievable goals.

The poll results can be found here: https://romania.ureport.in/opinion/7070/

The results of this U-Report study may not be representative of the entire adolescent population, considering possible limitations related to the size or geographical distribution of the sample. Conclusions should be interpreted as indications of trends, not definitive statements.