The many lenses of HPV vaccine hesitancy

Groups related to this event

Centre for Health Informatics

Event date

Wednesday, 21 September 2016

Speaker

Gilla Shapiro, McGill University, Montréal

Abstract

HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause cancer and other health problems in females and males. Three prophylactic vaccines that protect against the oncogenic strains of HPV are presently available and recommended for use. Though the HPV vaccines have been demonstrated to be safe and effective, optimal uptake rates have not been consistently achieved and are often lower for HPV than other recommended vaccines. In order to develop effective interventions and guide public health policy, it is important to better understand the determinants of HPV uptake, and its reverse, ‘vaccine hesitancy’ (i.e. parents’ refusal or delay in acceptance of HPV vaccination despite the availability of services). This presentation will explore the multiplicity of factors such as psychosocial influences, print and social media, and relevant policy issues that have impacted individual decision-making and HPV vaccine uptake.

Speaker profile

Gilla Shapiro is a PhD candidate in clinical psychology at McGill University and a Vanier CIHR Canada Graduate Scholar.

Gilla began her studies at the University of Cambridge, where she earned her BA and MA (Cantab) in Social Psychology.  To further develop her interest in health policy, Gilla completed the MPA/MPP dual degree program at the London School of Economics and Political Science and the Hertie School of Governance. Gilla’s doctoral research investigates decision-making and policy issues related to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

As a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholar, Gilla has been conducting research on vaccination policy at the Centre for Health Policy, University of Melbourne, and in collaboration with Macquarie University.

Seminar details

Date: Wednesday 21st September 2016

Time: 12pm - 1pm

Venue: Room 614, AIHI, Level 6, 75 Talavera Road, Macquarie University

Chair: Dr Adam Dunn, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Health Informatics, AIHI

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