Study: 11-year Trend Shows More Children Vaccinated for HPV at Younger Age but Rate Still Suboptimal

The percentage of U.S. children vaccinated for the human papillomavirus (HPV) within ages 9-12 years (a time frame that includes CDC recommended routine vaccination ages of 11-12 years) increased over the past 11 years but remains significantly suboptimal especially when compared to other developed nations, according to a study published in the July 2021 Pediatrics. The study, “Trends in HPV Vaccination Initiation and Completion within Ages 9–12 years: 2008–2018” (published online May 4), investigated disparities and HPV vaccination trends following the inception of a national HPV vaccination program. Vaccination between ages 9-12 is important because it is associated with higher levels of immunogenicity and is most effective when administered prior to an HPV infection. Researchers used data from the National Immunization Survey-Teen spanning 2008-2018 and found overall initiation of HPV vaccination within ages 9–12 years increased over the years, from 17.3% in 2008 to 62.6% in 2018. For most of the study period, non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics had higher rates of vaccination within ages 9-12 years than non-Hispanic Whites. In 2018, vaccination initiation rates exceeded 70% in several states. However, HPV up-to-date rates, in which children had received all recommended shots, remained below 50% in most U.S states. The incidence of HPV–associated cancers is on the rise, with more than 40,000 new cases occurring every year. The authors recommend expanding efforts to increase vaccination coverage.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.