We have more evidence that our HPV vaccines are working.
That won’t be a surprise to most folks, but still, it is nice to have that reassurance that you are doing the right thing in getting your kids vaccinated and protected against HPV.
After all, we already know that our HPV vaccines are safe.
How Well is the HPV Vaccine Working?
So how well are the HPV vaccines working?
A new study, Declines in Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine-Type Infection Among Females after Introduction of Vaccine — United States, 2003–2018, found that “during 2015–2018, the prevalence of 4vHPV types was 88% lower than that during the prevaccine era among females aged 14–19 years and 81% lower among those aged 20–24 years after adjustment for sexual behavior and race/ethnicity.”
“Within 6 years of vaccine introduction, there was a 64% decrease in 4vHPV type prevalence among females aged 14 to 19 years and a 34% decrease among those aged 20 to 24 years.”
Prevalence of HPV After Introduction of the Vaccination Program in the United States
So this study shows that HPV vaccine-type prevalence continues to decline in vaccinated teen and young adult women.
What else?
Among females aged 14–19 years who have had sex and were vaccinated, the prevalence of 4vHPV-type infections decreased 97%!
The study found that “in addition to significantly lower 4vHPV-type prevalence among sexually experienced vaccinated females compared with those in the prevaccine era, 4vHPV-type prevalence was also lower among unvaccinated females: 87% in females aged 14–19 years and 65% in those aged 20–24 years.”
Wait, why would we see any effect in unvaccinated girls?
“The herd effects are likely attributable to less circulation of vaccine-type HPV because of both female and male vaccination in the United States”
Declines in Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine-Type Infection Among Females after Introduction of Vaccine — United States, 2003–201
Probably because boys are getting vaccinated too!
HPV Vaccines are Safe and Effective
Have your kids had their HPV vaccine series yet?
Remember, Gardasil is a two dose series if you start before age 15 years, with most kids getting their first dose when they are 11 to 12 years old.
More on HPV Vaccines
- Has Gardasil Really Eliminated Cervical Cancer in Australia?
- Are Cervical Cancer Rates Rising?
- Have Over 75,000 Adverse Reactions to the HPV Vaccine Been Reported?
- Is the HPV Vaccine a Savior or the Most Dangerous Vaccine Ever Made?
- I’m Not Anti-Vaccine, I Just Don’t Believe in the HPV Vaccine
- HPV Vaccine Myths
- Did Japan Ban the HPV Vaccine?
- What Happens If You Get Gardasil and Already Have HPV?
- Does HPV Vaccination Decrease the Chances You Will Get a Pap Test?
- Should You Get an Extra Dose of Gardasil9?
- Declines in Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine-Type Infection Among Females after Introduction of Vaccine — United States, 2003–2018
- Trends in High-grade Cervical Lesions and Cervical Cancer Screening in 5 States, 2008-2015
- Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Among Females After Vaccine Introduction—National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, United States, 2003–2014
- Prevalence of HPV After Introduction of the Vaccination Program in the United States
- Ten Years of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in the United States
- Gardasil vaccine is safe – supported by overwhelming scientific evidence
- HPV vaccine adverse events – study of 11 years of use in Australia
- Gardasil facts – debunking myths about HPV vaccine safety and efficacy
- The importance of the HPV vaccine in one graphic. Really.
- A dumpster fire of a study about HPV vaccination and female fertility, courtesy of Gayle Delong
