The HPV vaccine and the media: how has the topic been covered and what are the effects on knowledge about the virus and cervical cancer?

Objective: In June 2006, the first vaccine for HPV was approved by the FDA and media coverage about the topic increased significantly. This study sought to explore the nature of the coverage and whether knowledge about HPV was affected by it.

Methods: A content analysis, including 321 news stories from major newspapers, the AP wire and television news networks was conducted.