Introduction: Formative research can inform country-level HPV vaccine delivery strategies, communication messages, and advocacy plans. This paper describes our formative research's conceptual framework; details our applied methodology; summarizes our field experience and challenges; and outlines best practices for formative research in vaccine introduction. Methods: From 2006-2008, literature reviews, stakeholder mapping, sociocultural studies, health system assessments, and policy reviews were conducted. Data collection at individual, interpersonal, community, institutional, and policy levels included in-depth interviews, focus groups, surveys, observations, secondary data, and facility audits. Data were analyzed thematically using an iterative process. Discussion: Integrated formative research can be implemented in low-resource settings, but may require overcoming operational challenges. Best practices in applied formative research include a conceptual framework, multidisciplinary approach, and rapid dissemination of results. Conclusions: Formative research informs effective health program planning by examining complex and interrelated factors surrounding vaccination. Methodologically sound formative research provides valid and reliable evidence for country-level vaccine introduction. © Bingham et al.; Licensee Bentham Open.