Human papillomavirus vaccination uptake among adult Canadians: Understanding the role of age, gender, and health beliefs

Despite the availability of safe and effective human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, uptake remains suboptimal among Canadian adults. This study examined HPV vaccination rates and their demographic and attitudinal correlates in a nationally representative sample of Canadian adults aged 25–44 (N = 4,410). Chi-square tests, Welch’s ANOVAs, and logistic regression analyses were conducted using a conservative significance threshold ( p < .001). Overall, 34% of participants reported having received the HPV vaccine. Women and younger adults (25–34) were significantly more likely to be vaccinated than men and older adults (35–44). Vaccination status was strongly associated with more favorable HPV-related beliefs, including perceptions of vaccine effectiveness, safety, and vaccines as a means of protecting health. Sexual behaviours were largely unrelated to vaccination status after correction for multiple comparisons, although HPV concern differed by age and gender. Vaccinated parents—particularly women across age groups and men aged 35–44—demonstrated stronger intentions to vaccinate their children and greater support for publicly funded HPV programs. These findings highlight persistent demographic disparities in adult HPV vaccine uptake and underscore the importance of gender-inclusive messaging, strengthened provider engagement, and expanded adult access strategies. Intergenerational patterns of vaccine attitudes suggest opportunities to reinforce HPV vaccination norms across families and communities.