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.”
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?
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 seriesif 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
