To assess HPV vaccine coverage rates among teens, researchers analyzed the results of the National Immunization Survey-Teen report, a nationally representative survey of more than 20,000 teens aged 13 to 17 years. While the 2016 vaccination rate marked a 4 percentage point uptick since 2015, most teens do not fully complete the recommend course of vaccination.
“I’m pleased with the progress, but too many teens are still not receiving the HPV vaccine — which leaves them vulnerable to cancers caused by HPV infection,” said CDC Director Brenda Fitzgerald, MD. “We need to do more to increase the vaccination rate and protect American youth today from future cancers tomorrow.”
The CDC recommends two doses of the HPV vaccine for children 11 to 12 years of age. Individuals who start the immunization course between ages 15 and 26 require three doses of the vaccine to be protected.
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