Countering HPV Vaccine Misinformation on Social Media: Practical Strategies for Healthcare Providers

Authors

• David Baldwin, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Medical Education

Advisor

Dr. Debra Munsell

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection and the leading cause of cervical cancer. Although the HPV vaccine has been proven safe and effective, vaccination rates remain lower than desired, mainly due to parental hesitancy. Concerns center on vaccine safety, potential side effects, and general mistrust of the medical system. The rise of social media has intensified this challenge, serving both as a tool for public health education and a powerful source of misinformation. With more than two-thirds of U.S. adults reporting that they get their news from social media, the rapid spread of inaccurate vaccine content, especially related to HPV, has become a serious public health concern.

To better understand this issue, this study explored the key drivers of parental vaccine hesitancy and the influence of social media in shaping attitudes toward HPV vaccination. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, yielding 31 relevant articles; 19 of which met the inclusion criteria. Across studies, exposure to misinformation on social media correlates with increased parental reluctance to vaccinate, particularly when posts emphasized safety or fertility concerns.

Evidence-based strategies identified to address this issue include strong and confident recommendations from healthcare providers, “inoculation” communication approaches that help individuals recognize and resist misinformation, and public health campaigns that are both targeted and culturally relevant. Partnerships between healthcare professionals, public health organizations, and social media platforms, along with credible community influencers, could play a key role in improving vaccine confidence and countering misinformation on a larger scale. Future research should assess the effectiveness of these approaches and incorporate both parent and adolescent perspectives to develop evidence-based interventions that support HPV vaccine uptake.

Recommended Citation

Baldwin D. Countering HPV Vaccine Misinformation on Social Media: Practical Strategies for Healthcare Providers. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(1).