Fostering acceptance of human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus vaccines among adolescents and parents.
OBJECTIVE
Vaccines for human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus are currently in development, and these vaccines could be an effective and cost-effective strategy to control these diseases. Young adolescents are likely to be the target recipients of these vaccines. These vaccines, however, will only be successful in reducing the prevalence of these diseases if accepted. This manuscript will focus on the issues associated with the acceptability of these vaccines by healthcare providers, parents, and adolescents/young adults.


RESULTS
Recent studies with healthcare providers, parents, and adolescent/young adults have found support for the acceptability of the human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus vaccines. Protecting adolescents from serious diseases may be a more important priority for parents than concern about how the disease is transmitted.


CONCLUSIONS
It is likely that vaccines for human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus will find acceptance among these groups. Strategies to increase acceptability and foster access, however, will still be needed.
University of Houston -- Clear Lake, Webster, Texas, USA. shortmb@uhcl.edu
Mary B
MB
Short
Susan L
SL
Rosenthal
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D022301:Herpes Simplex Virus Vaccines; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000276:immunology*; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines; D010290:Parents; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D014765:Viral Vaccines
D022301:Herpes Simplex Virus Vaccines; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines; D014765:Viral Vaccines