Why Teens in London Think About Vaccines

Vaccine hesitancy among teens in London's senior high schools is a real thing. To understand this better, a survey was conducted among Year 12-13 students in state schools. The first attempt had a low response rate, so it was repeated with incoming students. The second time around, 93% of the students participated. This shows that persistence pays off. The students were diverse. Most were female, and there was a good mix of ethnic backgrounds. Both groups largely agreed that childhood vaccines are safe. However, there was a noticeable difference in COVID-19 vaccine uptake. The first group had a higher uptake rate, and more of them believed the COVID-19 vaccine was properly tested. Both groups were in favor of mandatory vaccines for healthcare workers. The first group was more supportive, but the second group still showed strong backing. This trend was similar for mandatory flu vaccines. The second group was more influenced by parents, healthcare providers, and school friends when it came to vaccine decisions. The first group relied more on parents and doctors. Social media didn't have a big impact on their views. Most students had received the HPV vaccine. When it came to international HPV campaign posters, the teens had mixed feelings. They suggested that involving the target audience in the design process could make these posters more effective. Vaccine confidence can be boosted by recommendations from doctors, experts, and parents. Making vaccines available at schools can also help. It's clear that understanding teen perspectives is key to addressing vaccine hesitancy.