Current HPV Vaccine Recommendations for Teenagers: What You Need to Know

Low HPV Vaccination Rates Among Teenagers in the United States

Overview of HPV and Its Impact

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant contributor to various cancers, including cervical cancer in women, anal cancers, and cancers of the mouth, throat, penis, vagina, and vulva. Vaccination can effectively prevent these cancers. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the American Cancer Society have recommended HPV vaccination for adolescents since 2007, specifically targeting both female and male individuals aged 11 to 12 years. Full immunization requires two or three booster doses following the initial vaccination.

Current Vaccination Statistics

Despite strong recommendations, vaccination rates remain low. In 2016, only 65.1% of females and 56.0% of males aged 13 to 17 had received their first dose of the HPV vaccine. The completion rate for the full vaccination schedule is even lower. In response to these disappointing statistics, the American Cancer Society has set a goal of achieving an 80% vaccination rate by 2026 among adolescents before they turn 13.

Research on Vaccination Needs

Dr. Stacey A. Fedewa from the American Cancer Society conducted a study to assess the number of adolescents who need to start and complete the HPV vaccination to meet the 2026 goal. This study also examined the barriers preventing parents from vaccinating their children against HPV. The findings were published in the journal Cancer.

Targeting Vaccination Prevalence

Vaccination Requirements to Meet Goals

As of 2016, 48.9% of female adolescents and 44.3% of male adolescents had begun the HPV vaccine schedule by their 13th birthday. To reach the 80% vaccination prevalence by 2026, an estimated 3.95 million females and 4.78 million males aged 11 to 12 must receive their initial HPV vaccine. Additionally, 1.34 million females and 1.63 million males must be vaccinated in 2026 to achieve the goal.

By 2016, only 35.5% of female adolescents and 31.5% of male adolescents were current with their HPV vaccinations by their 13th birthday. To meet the American Cancer Society’s target of 80% vaccination prevalence, an additional 6.77 million females and 7.62 million males will need to receive their second HPV vaccine. In total, 57.62 million HPV vaccine doses are required to achieve full vaccination among adolescents.

Factors Contributing to Low Vaccination Rates

The investigation into low vaccination rates revealed that more males, white adolescents, and families with private insurance were not up to date with their HPV vaccinations. Most adolescents who had not initiated or completed the vaccination schedule were above the poverty line, indicating that cost is not a significant barrier.

Strategies to Enhance HPV Vaccination Rates

Improving Professional Knowledge and Parental Engagement

Efforts to improve HPV vaccination rates are underway, focusing on increasing healthcare providers’ understanding of the importance of HPV vaccination. Some healthcare professionals hesitate to discuss the vaccine with parents due to its association with sexually transmitted diseases. However, a recent study indicated that parents who chose to vaccinate their children were heavily influenced by the vaccine’s ability to prevent various cancers.

The American Cancer Society’s recommendations have thus far resulted in low vaccination rates among adolescents. To achieve the 80% vaccination goal by 2026, research estimates the additional number of males and females requiring vaccination. Strategies to enhance vaccination uptake include improving healthcare provider knowledge and addressing the stigma surrounding the vaccination for a sexually transmitted virus.

Conclusion

Achieving the target vaccination rates for HPV is crucial for cancer prevention among adolescents. Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers and parents will play a significant role in overcoming existing barriers and improving vaccination rates.

Reference

Fedewa SA, Preiss AJ, Fisher-Borne M, et al. Reaching 80% human papillomavirus vaccination prevalence by 2026: how many adolescents need to be vaccinated and what are their characteristics? Cancer. 2018.