New Survey Reveals Gaps in STI Vaccine Awareness

A survey conducted in April 2026 by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) at the University of Pennsylvania found that while most Americans recognize common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), significant knowledge gaps persist regarding vaccines and transmission. Only 42% of respondents knew a vaccine exists for mpox, and many incorrectly believe vaccines exist for HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia.

The APPC polled a representative sample of 1,639 U.S. adults to gauge public health literacy regarding STIs. The data shows 47% of respondents know someone diagnosed with an STI, and 72% of those individuals reported knowing two or more people with a diagnosis.

Which STIs are most recognized by Americans?

Most survey respondents correctly identified the most prevalent infections. According to the APPC, 95% of respondents identified genital herpes as an STI, followed by gonorrhea at 94%, HIV at 92%, syphilis at 91%, and chlamydia at 89%.

Knowledge of the human papilloma virus (HPV) stood at 75%. This represents a six-point increase in awareness compared to a similar survey conducted in 2024.

Awareness dropped significantly for less common infections. Only 35% of respondents knew mpox can be sexually transmitted, and only 13% were aware that the Zika virus can be spread through sex, despite its primary transmission via mosquitoes.

How are STIs transmitted and what are the common myths?

The majority of respondents correctly identified primary transmission routes. The APPC reported that 97% identified vaginal sex, 94% anal sex, 91% genital-to-genital contact, and 89% oral sex as means of transmission. Additionally, 80% knew some STIs can pass from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

Confusion remains regarding non-sexual contact. About 49% of respondents identified kissing as a general transmission route for STIs. While kissing poses a risk for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which causes cold sores, it isn’t considered risky for most other STIs.

A smaller but notable portion of the population holds misconceptions about surfaces. The survey found 20% of respondents believe sitting on a toilet seat immediately after someone with an STI is risky. The APPC notes this is false because the germs causing most STIs are fragile and cannot survive on surfaces like doorknobs or toilets.

What vaccines prevent STIs and where are the knowledge gaps?

Public knowledge regarding prevention is inconsistent. Currently, vaccines are available for HPV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and mpox. However, the APPC found that while 68% of people knew a vaccine protects against HPV and cervical cancer, only 42% were aware of the mpox vaccine.

Many respondents incorrectly believe vaccines exist for infections that currently have no vaccine. The survey found the following percentages of people who either were unsure or incorrectly thought a vaccine exists:

• Zika: 81%
• Chlamydia: 60%
• Syphilis: 61%
• Gonorrhea: 58%
• Genital herpes: 54%
• HIV: 53%

The survey also tracked a rise in misinformation regarding the HPV vaccine. In 2024, 10% of respondents believed the HPV vaccine encourages teens to engage in risky sexual behavior. By April 2026, that number rose to 14%. APPC notes that numerous studies debunk this claim, showing vaccinated youth are no more likely to become sexually active or have multiple partners than unvaccinated peers.

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS awareness?

The data revealed a gap in understanding HIV progression. While 83% of respondents knew that medication can control the progression of HIV, only 45% knew that most people in the U.S. with HIV do not develop AIDS.

Rebecca Karpinski, the Interim President and CEO of the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), stated that these information gaps lead to tangible public health risks.

“Gaps in STI information can have real consequences. If people don’t understand how STIs are transmitted, they might not protect themselves and their partner. If they don’t know which STI tests to get, they might not find out they have an infection or get the treatment they need,” said Rebecca Karpinski, ASHA’s Interim President and CEO. “Access to education and care are the keys to tackling the STI epidemic in this country. This survey shows that there is some more work to be done.”