Human Papillomavirus Prevalence Among Females in the United States, Overall and By Race/Ethnicity, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003–2006 and 2013–2016

This report provides the most recent population-based estimates of types of HPV that can be prevented by quadrivalent HPV vaccination among adolescent and young adult women in the United States, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In 2013-2016, vaccine-preventable HPV prevalence was only 1.8% among 14-19 year-olds, an 86% decline since vaccine introduction.
In this report, for the first time, we analyzed declines by race/ethnicity. Among 14-19 year-olds, declines in vaccine-preventable HPV were observed in non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Mexican American females. A 71% decline in vaccine-preventable HPV was also observed among 20-24 year-olds. These declines are consistent with the increasing HPV vaccination coverage among adolescents in the United States.
Monitoring impact of HPV vaccination is important after introduction of a national vaccination program. The results of this analysis provide the most up-to-date estimates of HPV infections among females in the United States and show that the vaccine is working to prevent HPV infections. The extraordinary declines in prevalence of quadrivalent vaccine-preventable HPV should lead to substantial reductions in HPV-associated cancers in the future.

Quote from the Disease Detective

“Vaccine-preventable HPV infections have decreased 86% among 14-19 year-old females in the United States and 71% among 20-24 year-olds since the HPV vaccine was introduced, and these declines are being seen in females across racial/ethnic groups. These findings show how well the HPV vaccine is working to prevent HPV infections, and the potential of HPV vaccination to reduce cervical cancer disparities in the future.”

– Nancy McClung, PhD, EIS Class of 2017

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Nancy McClung outside Mobile Examination Center

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EIS Officer Nancy McClung, PhD, stands outside of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Mobile Examination Center