Attitudes towards HPV vaccination - how to achieve better vaccine coverage?
- Kuinka saavutetaan parempi rokotekattavuus?
Keywords:
Papilloma virus, HPV vaccine, vaccination coverage, disinformationAbstract
English Abstract
The burden of disease caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is globally high. With primary prevention i.e. by vaccination, the virus causing the disease burden can be eradicated and the disease burden eliminated. There is more research data on the effectiveness and safety of the HPV vaccines than of any other vaccine. However, HPV vaccination coverage in Finland is lower than in the other Nordic countries although the vaccination coverage of other vaccines in the national vaccination program has traditionally been high in Finland. Whereas the Internet has made the world more united in terms of access to information, variable and conflicting information is challenging. In the absence of critical appraisal, differentiating true information from false information is difficult. Health policy decisions must be based on true and solid research data and expert assessment. In addition, health care professionals must understand human emotions when choices are made. Disinformation and fear related to HPV-vaccination must be handled so that the individual and population level benefits are understood and accepted by the vaccine recipients and parents. Expertise of the healthcare professionals plays a key role in providing such information, not only to individuals representing the target population, but also to the decision makers.
