Icon Legend

This session is not in your schedule.

This session is in your schedule. Click again to remove it.

Presentation Icons

Additional registration fee required

Faculty have requested this content not be shared outside of the session

CME Credit Offered

Abstract Award

Recording available 2/16-5/2

AIUM Credit

Foundation Awardee

Poster Icons

Abstract Award

Foundation Awardee

Poster Session 3

Category: Public Health/Global Health

Poster Session 3

(945) Patient and Provider Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Vaccination with the 9-valent HPV Vaccine During Pregnancy

Thursday, February 12, 2026

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Submitting Author and Presenting Author(s)

Sarah Boudova, MD, PhD (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Director of Perinatal Global Health Program
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States

Coauthor(s)

MG

Meghan Gannon, MSPH, PhD

Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
JZ

Jennifer Zhan

Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
VF

Valentina Frusone

Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
AH

Aichatou Haidara

Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
AA

Agustina Arce

Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
KM

Kelly McGuigan, MD, MS

Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
BS

Beth Schwartz, MD

Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
CC

Christopher Chambers, MD

Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Rupsa C. Boelig, MD

Associate Professor
Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Objective:
Cervical cancer is preventable with the HPV vaccine, however vaccination rates remain low. Catch-up vaccination is currently contraindicated in pregnancy. We aimed to examine patient and provider knowledge and attitudes regarding the 9-valent HPV vaccine during pregnancy.

Study Design:
We performed a mixed methods study. Surveys were sent in batches to randomly-selected providers on the ACOG mailing list until the sample size (N=300) was achieved. Five focus group discussions (FGDs) with 2-5 unvaccinated pregnant individuals/session were conducted until thematic saturation. Thematic analysis was conducted on FGD transcripts. Descriptive statistics were performed on survey data. Data were integrated and interpreted together.

Results:
We enrolled 18 FGD participants and received 321 provider surveys. Five key themes emerged from survey and FGD data integration: 1) knowledge of the HPV vaccine in pregnancy, 2) perceptions of safety, 3) perceptions of efficacy, 4) the vaccine decision-making process, and 5) what is needed for comfort with HPV vaccination in pregnancy (Table 1). Patient vaccine knowledge was variable. Patients expressed uncertainty about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in pregnancy with a primary concern being the baby. Most providers were unsure about the safety (53.9%) and efficacy (52.3%) of the vaccine in pregnancy. Physician recommendation and personal autonomy were key aspects of vaccine decision making. Convergence of findings demonstrate patients and providers desired more research on vaccine safety and efficacy. Provider-identified barriers to vaccination during pregnancy include the recommendation against vaccination, safety concerns, and patient vaccine hesitancy (Fig. 1). The plurality of providers (45.6%) would offer the vaccine in pregnancy if not contraindicated.

Conclusion:
Patients and providers desire more research on the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine in pregnancy. Patients value provider advice on vaccination. Providers adhere to guidelines and report this as the greatest barrier to vaccination in pregnancy.