INTRODUCTION: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a highly contagious virus known to cause many cancers in men and women. Vaccination for HPV has been available since 2006 but coverage levels remain low with initiation rates at 60% and only 43% completion. The lowest vaccination rates are found in the South.

AIM: This study aims to use data from the 2016 National Immunization Survey-Teen to evaluate parental reasons for not vaccinating their teen for HPV among respondents in the South. The study evaluated the demographic correlations of the top four reasons reported for not vaccinating against HPV.

METHODS: Mantel-Haenszel χ² test was done to assess possible differences for individuals initiating HPV vaccination and those who had not by sociodemographic factors. Logistic regression done evaluated several sociodemographic factors for top reasons for not vaccinating. Analysis of the data was done using Statistical Analysis Systems 9.4.

RESULTS: The top four reasons given for not vaccinating for HPV were: 1) vaccine is not needed/not necessary; 2) vaccine was not recommended; 3) concerns about vaccine safety/side effects and 4) lack of knowledge about vaccine. Mother’s education, mother’s age, race of teen, and gender were significantly associated with the top four reasons.

DISCUSSION: The results of this study imply specific sociodemographic factors are associated with the top four reasons for declining HPV vaccine. Highly educated mothers were significantly associated with the top four reasons for declining vaccine.