Improving HPV vaccine uptake by correcting misinformation on social media
An inoculation theory-based messaging intervention addressing misinformation about HPV vaccine on social media: The Inoculate for HPV Vaccine randomized controlled trial
This study is looking to help parents of kids aged 8-11 by finding and correcting false information about the HPV vaccine that’s spreading on social media, so they feel more confident in getting their children vaccinated.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11078765 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to tackle the issue of misinformation about the HPV vaccine that is prevalent on social media, which has been causing vaccine hesitancy among parents. By utilizing natural language processing, the study will identify common misinformation and develop targeted corrective messages based on established communication theories. These messages will be tested in a randomized controlled trial involving parents of adolescents aged 8-11, with the goal of increasing the initiation and completion rates of the HPV vaccine series. Participants will be followed for 12 months to assess the effectiveness of these interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are parents of children aged 8-11 who are considering the HPV vaccine for their children.
Not a fit: Patients who are already fully vaccinated against HPV or those outside the age range of 8-11 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the uptake of the HPV vaccine among adolescents, leading to better cancer prevention outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeted communication strategies can effectively counter misinformation and improve vaccination rates, suggesting a promising approach in this study.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kornides, Melanie Lynn — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kornides, Melanie Lynn
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.