(600) Tackling HPV Vaccine Hesitancy: The Role of Emotions, Information and Expert Communication

Introduction The disease burden caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is enormous. By primary prevention i.e. vaccination, the virus can be eradicated and the disease burden largely eliminated. There are more data of the effectiveness and safety of HPV vaccination than of any other vaccine. In Finland, all children are equally offered HPV vaccination in the national school-based vaccination program. However, although thorough information of HPV vaccination is systematically provided by health care professionals, the vaccination coverage in Finland is significantly lower than in the other Nordic countries, and does not meet the goals set by the EU and WHO. This is unexpected since the vaccination coverage in other pediatric national vaccination programs has traditionally been high in Finland. High vaccination coverage is important in order to achieve effective population level herd protection. While Internet has made the world united in terms of access to information, variable and conflicting disinformation is challenging. In the absence of critical assessment and appraisal, differentiating true information from false information may be difficult. Objective The objective of this project is to figure out how to increase understanding of the psychological, social, and other factors influencing the vaccination coverage and develop evidence-based strategies to improve HPV vaccination uptake in Finland. Methods This initiative focuses on multidisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based communication strategies. HPV network of professionals from various specialties and representatives from the Gynecological Cancer Patients in Finland Association was established in 2022 to provide reliable and reproducible information about HPV infection, disease burden, and prevention to both lay people and health care professionals. The network utilizes multiple approaches including professional education, media engagement, and stakeholder collaboration to address vaccination barriers. Results The HPV network has been active in providing evidence-based information and education to various target groups, including politicians, healthcare professionals, and the general public. The network’s activities have focused on addressing misinformation, promoting understanding of HPV vaccination benefits, and supporting policy development. The establishment of the HPV network has been covered in national media and received very positively by key stakeholders, with opinion pieces and editorials published in Finland’s largest newspapers and country’s most highly regarded peer-reviewed academic journals. Conclusions We can increase vaccine coverage through more effective and responsible evidence-based face-to-face communication, information sharing, and cooperation. All health policy decisions must be grounded in solid scientific evidence and expert assessment. In addition, healthcare professionals should have an understanding of human emotions when informed choices are made. Disinformation and fear of HPV vaccination must be addressed appropriately so that the individual and population-level benefits are understood and accepted by vaccine recipients and their parents. The expertise and knowledge level of healthcare professionals play key roles in providing accurate information to the target population and to decision-makers alike. The HPV network represents a successful model for multidisciplinary collaboration-including representatives from the Gynecological Cancer Patients in Finland Association-in addressing vaccination challenges and improving public health outcomes. Disclosure No