HPV-Vaccination Communication Needs of Parents of Turkish and Moroccan Origin in the Netherlands

Background

HPV-vaccination prevents HPV-related cancers, yet coverage in Europe remains low. In the Netherlands, uptake is particularly low among Turkish- and Moroccan-origin children, whose parents often have reservations about HPV-vaccination, including mistrust, fear of side effects, and perceived information gaps. Understanding parents’ preferences and expectations regarding HPV-vaccination communication is essential for developing tailored strategies that support informed decision-making about children’s vaccination.

Methods

We conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with Turkish and Moroccan origin parents of children aged 7-9 in the Netherlands between April 2024 and January 2025. Interviews were conducted in Dutch or Turkish, with informal Berber translation when needed.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed a multidimensional discrepancy between official HPV-vaccination information provision and parental expectations. Misalignment was perceived regarding setting, tone, timing and messenger characteristics, which prompted some parents to rely on social networks and online sources. Parents suggested improvements, including timely, transparent and culturally sensitive communication delivered by trusted messengers familiar with their community.

Conclusions

These findings underscore that effective HPV-vaccination communication requires more than accurate information. Strategies must foster trust, engagement and comprehension, tailored to parental preferences. Tailoring content, formats, and sources to parental preferences may help reduce disparities in HPV-vaccination uptake and support national and European immunization goals.

Key messages

• Effective HPV vaccination communication goes beyond providing accurate information. It must actively build trust, engagement and comprehension through approaches aligned with parental preferences.

• Tailoring HPV vaccination to parental preferences can improve uptake and help reduce disparities, contributing to national and European immunization targets.