Location Impacted HPV Vaccinations in 2022

Did you know that Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination can help prevent sexually transmitted infections in both men and women?

Unfortunately, many young people living in the 'country' remain under-immunized against HPV cancers.

A new report (NCHS Data Brief No. 495, February 2024) published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sheds light on this issue.

It reveals that only a certain percentage of children (38.6%) aged between 9 and 17 years have received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine by 2022. The report also highlights the social and health characteristics of the vaccinated children.

Remember, the CDC says people can start their HPV vaccination at age 9 in the U.S., but it is usually given to children between 11 and 12. 

The percentage of children who have received one or more HPV vaccine doses varied by location.

Children living in metropolitan areas were about 40% more likely to have received one or more HPV vaccine doses than those living in non-metropolitan areas, 30%.

While the CDC did not offer a reason behind this significant difference, and most HPV vaccine costs are covered by insurance, recent studies have identified that non-metropolitan areas have different points of view than those living in big cities.

A Pew Research Center report issued in 2023 highlighted the urban-rural divide in voting preferences continues to be a significant factor in America.

According to the CDC, HPV vaccination prevents and controls genital warts, precancerous lesions, and certain cancers, such as cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal.

In the United States, HPV vaccination has been recommended for girls since 2006 and for boys since 2011. During 2024, HPV vaccines are offered at health clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.