RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the knowledge, awareness and attitudes of guardians towards the distribution of Gardasil to school children in the North Central Regional Health Authority jurisdiction of Trinidad. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross sectional study utilizing a questionnaire was employed to collect data from 368 participants who reside in the North Central division of Trinidad. The statistical analysis included chi square tests and logistical regression. RESULTS: There was an increase in the approval rate of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (32.4%) after the participants received further education. Guardians preferred the 12-14 (24.2%) and 9-11 (23.1%) age groups for vaccination. Religion did not influence the decision to vaccinate. About half (49.2%) of parents believed vaccination would not cause promiscuity. Women were more likely to approve of the vaccine (p=0.023). Most participants did not talk to a doctor about the vaccine (70.7%). The general opinion (44.9%) was that insufficient information was imparted for an informed decision to be made. CONCLUSION: There was approval of the HPV vaccine despite risks and lack of knowledge. A more effective vaccination program requires prolonged sensitization of the public on the HPV vaccine.