The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the fastest and most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases today. One of the leading causes of cervical cancer is repeated HPV infections that are a growing public health concern. Approximately 20 million Americans are currently infected with HPV and about 12,000 women get diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. In June 2006 the FDA approved a new vaccine, Gardasil to protect females against certain HPV types. Since its approval there have been reservations and acceptance of the new vaccine among young females. Many do not have accurate infonnation to aid in a rational decision making and distinguish truth from misinformation.

This study examines data from the California Health Interview Survey of 2007 to explore some of the potential determinants that influence females' interest in getting the HPV vaccine or not. Knowledge, interest, ethnicity play a vital role in why females between the age 18 to 26 are interested in this vaccine or not.

The new vaccine has the potential to reduce HPV infections which in turn will decrease cervical cancer deaths. To close this gap appropriate knowledge needs to be distributed.