Evaluate the Association of the HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Incidence Among Various Race and Ethnicities

Background: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease that causes cervical and oropharyngeal cancers. The HPV vaccine protects against serotypes 6, 11, 16, and 18. The current CDC recommendation for the vaccine is 2 doses if under 15 years and 3 doses if over age 15. The HPV vaccine has high efficacy in preventing HPV-related carcinomas. Despite availability of the vaccine many are not completing the vaccine series. Objective: Currently, African Americans and Hispanics have the highest frequency of cervical cancer, rates of new cancers, and cancer-related deaths. Understanding the racial and ethnic disparities that influence HPV vaccination coverage and cervical cancer incidence will help us improve care and reduce disparities. Methods: HPV vaccination rates amongst various races and ethnicities was collected from the CDC's National Immunization Survey (NIS). HPV vaccination administration quantities in male and female adolescents were collected from the NIS. HPV vaccination rates were then compared to one-dose versus series completion in genders and races/ethnicities. Results: HPV vaccine dose completion decreased substantially in African American, White, and Asian females. HPV vaccine rates in male adolescents increased across all races and ethnicities. Cervical cancer rates have decreased which indicate that the HPV vaccine is efficacious. Conclusion: Even though HPV vaccine awareness has increased, disparities in African Americans and Hispanics continue to exist at a greater rate than among those of other race/ethnicities. Promoting the HPV vaccine in these groups could help reduce HPV-associated cancers.