Why some teens in Gambella skip the HPV vaccine

Most girls in Gambella Town have heard of the HPV vaccine, but many still skip it. The vaccine protects against a virus that can later turn into cervical cancer. Yet in many lower-income places, not enough girls get the shots. Ethiopia is one of those places. Experts wanted to find out why. They asked teenage girls in Gambella Town what they know about the vaccine and how they feel about it. The results showed mixed views. Some girls knew the vaccine was safe and important. Others worried about side effects or believed false rumors. A few even thought the vaccine could cause infertility. These misunderstandings keep many from rolling up their sleeves.The study also looked at where girls got their information. Schools and health workers played a big role. But social media and friends sometimes spread wrong ideas. Girls who talked to health workers were more likely to trust the vaccine. Those who relied only on hearsay often stayed unsure. One surprising gap came to light. Many teens did not realize HPV is a common virus. Most sexually active people will get it at some point. Yet because it usually clears on its own, people forget how dangerous it can be. Without this basic knowledge, the vaccine seems unnecessary to some.