Imagine not knowing about a virus that could seriously affect your health. For many young people, that’s the reality when it comes to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Between 24 April and 4 June 2024, UNICEF ran a global U-Report poll to find out if adolescents and young people know about HPV and its vaccine. More than 417,000 U-Reporters spoke up.
Take this 15-year-old U-Reporter from Indonesia, for example. “I have not received any information regarding the virus. This is the first time I’ve heard of it,” he shared. He is among over 75% of respondents who are unaware or unsure of what HPV is.
When informed that HPV is a common virus that can lead to certain cancers and other diseases, including cervical cancer, and that there is a vaccine to prevent the infection, half of the respondents expressed their willingness to get vaccinated.
For a 17-year-old U-Reporter from Malawi who feels enthusiastic about the HPV vaccine, “encouraging each other to get vaccinated and taking a bigger role in fighting the disease”, is key.
However, those willing to get vaccinated face barriers. The main obstacles are financial constraints and lack of vaccine availability where they live.
Only one in seven (14%) reported being already vaccinated. Their main motivation was self-protection, indicating that personal health and safety are strong drivers for getting vaccinated.
On the other hand, 15% of respondents stated that they would not get vaccinated. Their concerns included potential side effects and a general distrust of all vaccines, highlighting the need to promote facts, trust and confidence in vaccines.
Additionally, one in five (20%) feels unsure about getting vaccinated, mainly due to a lack of knowledge, further showing the need for greater public awareness.
Respondents under 24 expressed a clear preference for receiving information about HPV through doctors or community health workers, schools, government, and, in fourth place, social media.
Youth can play an important role as HPV advocates. A 17-year-old from Nigeria said, “Young people can significantly influence governments regarding HPV vaccines by educating themselves, raising awareness, advocating for increased access and funding, contacting representatives, and sharing personal stories.”
The findings from this U-Report poll highlight the need for more public awareness and increased access to vaccines. They also reveal the importance of countering misinformation and leveraging trusted information sources, as well as the importance of listening to young people’s perspectives. UNICEF, in collaboration with its partners, will continue to work towards these goals, utilizing these insights to shape future strategies and initiatives to protect children and young people.
About the poll
Between 24 April 24 and 6 June 2024, UNICEF conducted a U-Report global poll to understand adolescents’ and young people’s awareness of HPV and its vaccine. The poll engaged a total of 417,094 individuals from 189 countries. Of the respondents, 57% were male and 42% were female. A significant 70% of respondents were under the age of 24. This highlights that young people are eager to voice their opinions and concerns about HPV, a virus that poses a significant health risk.
Note: This poll data reflects the information provided by the respondents, and is not statistically representative of young people globally, or in any specific country or region.