Multipurpose vaccines (MPVs) could be formulated based on the existing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent multiple sexually transmitted infections, including herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, little is known about vaccine providers’ preferences for MPVs compared to single-purpose HPV vaccine, or the acceptability of MPVs among mothers of adolescent girls.
A total of 151 adolescent vaccine providers and 118 mothers of adolescent daughters aged 9-14 were recruited from Argentina, Malaysia, South Africa, South Korea, and Spain. Provider preference for single-purpose HPV vaccine or an MPV that prevents HPV+HSV-2; HPV+HIV; or HPV+HSV-2+HIV was assessed via quantitative survey. Mothers' attitudes towards MPVs were assessed in twenty focus group discussions (FGDs).
Most providers preferred MPVs over single-purpose HPV vaccine; preference for MPVs was highest in South Africa (96.0%) and lowest in Malaysia (60.7%). HPV+HSV-2+HIV was the most preferred formulation (56%-82%) among providers.
Approximately half of all mothers preferred the MPV; support was most pronounced in South Africa and lowest in South Korea. Convenience and trust in the health care system were the most commonly-cited reasons for MPV acceptance, whereas safety and efficacy concerns were the most common barriers; differences emerged by country. Across FGDs, additional safety and efficacy information was requested, particularly from trusted sources such as health care providers (HCPs).
General acceptance of MPVs among adolescent vaccine providers and mothers of adolescent girls supports their development. While most surveyed providers preferred MPVs, further research should identify barriers among providers who did not. MPV acceptance among mothers varied by country, but a common need for safety and efficacy information from HCPs indicates that clinicians are critical to vaccine promotion and acceptance.