Clinical Report: Comparing Conversations with Large Language Model Chatbots to Public Health Resources on Parental Intent to Vaccinate Against HPV

Overview

This study evaluates the effectiveness of brief interactions with large language model (LLM) chatbots in increasing parental intentions to vaccinate against HPV compared to traditional public health resources. The findings suggest that LLM chatbots may enhance vaccination intentions, highlighting their potential role in public health communication.

Background

HPV vaccination is crucial for preventing a significant proportion of HPV-related cancers, yet global uptake remains low, particularly in adolescents. Parental hesitancy is a major barrier to increasing vaccination rates, necessitating innovative communication strategies. The exploration of AI-based tools, such as LLM chatbots, offers a promising avenue to improve vaccine communication and address hesitancy.

Data Highlights

The study involved a randomized clinical trial with parents from the US, Canada, and the UK, assessing the impact of LLM chatbot interactions on vaccination intentions. Participants were surveyed at baseline and followed up at 15 and 45 days post-intervention.

Key Findings

• LLM chatbot interactions increased parental intentions to vaccinate against HPV compared to no intervention.
• Two chatbot variants were tested: a default LLM output style and a more conversational style.
• Vaccination intentions were measured immediately after the intervention and at 15 and 45 days.
• Parental trust in public health institutions and AI influenced vaccination intentions.
• Results indicate that LLM chatbots may provide advantages over traditional public health materials in promoting HPV vaccination.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider integrating LLM chatbots into vaccination communication strategies to enhance parental engagement and address hesitancy. Understanding the nuances of parental attitudes towards AI can help tailor interventions effectively.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that LLM chatbots can be effective tools for increasing parental intentions to vaccinate against HPV, suggesting their potential utility in public health initiatives.

Related Resources & Content

1. npj Digital Medicine, 2026 -- Large language models provide unsafe answers to patient-posed medical questions
2. The ASCO Post, 2025 -- Study Finds AI Chatbots Are Vulnerable to Spreading Malicious, False Health Information
3. Frontiers in Digital Health, 2026 -- Can ChatGPT-5 educate the public about vasectomy?: a Google Trends–based expert panel assessment
4. The ASCO Post, 2017 -- Fighting Misinformation in HPV-Related Cancer Prevention
5. HPV Vaccine Recommendations | HPV | CDC
6. Noninferiority of One HPV Vaccine Dose to Two Doses | New England Journal of Medicine
7. Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years | MMWR
8. HPV Vaccine Recommendations | HPV | CDC
9. Noninferiority of One HPV Vaccine Dose to Two Doses | New England Journal of Medicine
10. Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years — National Immunization Survey-Teen, United States, 2024 | MMWR