When it’s time for their annual physical, the first question my kids ask me is if they have to get a shot. It’s been a while since they’ve been due for one of the routine vaccinations, but I do know that one of the next ones on this list is the HPV vaccine. For our family, it’s an obvious answer: a safe and effective vaccine that can protect our boys? Yes, please!

For our family, it’s an obvious answer: a safe and effective vaccine that can protect our boys? Yes, please!

(We were also signed up within the same week the COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children ages 5-12. Approval on Tuesday. Shots on Friday. So yes, we’re definitely a “get the shot” family.)

But it’s not always so straightforward right away for all parents. Some parents might have questions or concerns. At Healthy Teen Network, we wanted to learn more about these questions and concerns–and how to answer them and give parents the peace of mind they need to get the HPV vaccination for their children. So we asked parents what they thought about the HPV vaccine.

Through a series of digital focus groups, we listened to parents share their thoughts and feelings about the HPV vaccine. We facilitated group discussions on Facebook, where we asked parents why they didn’t have their children receive the HPV vaccine, and which health messages might move them to action. From there, we partnered with the very talented Blue Seat Studios to help us translate our health messages into a humorous script and ultimately, a short video: HPV: The Sooner the Better for Peace of Mind. 

The video, also available in Spanish, answers all parents’ questions about the HPV vaccine. We’ve also got an infographic that breaks it all down, by the numbers.

Want to share? Please do use (and make them your own) our social media graphics and captions.

And if you’re still looking for more HPV resources, we also have a set of similar materials designed for young adults who have not yet received the HPV vaccine…because it’s not too late!