Poll Reports

Only 44% of parents support a school mandate for the HPV vaccine for girls entering 9th grade. Parent support is stronger (68%) for a mandate for another new teen vaccine that prevents tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (Tdap). Parents of older children are less likely to favor a mandate for the HPV vaccine.

Smoking ranked as #1 health problem for children. Childhood obesity ranked as #3 health problem overall. Teen pregnancy ranked as #1 health problem for youth by blacks. Internet safety more likely to be reported as a big problem by women.

10% of U.S. children have used a retail clinic for health care. 15% of children are expected to use a retail clinic in the future. The majority of children who have used a retail clinic have insurance that has paid for the visit. Children who have used retail clinics are less likely to have a regular doctor than children who have not used a retail clinic.