High impact of quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine across racial/ethnic groups: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003–2006 and 2015–2018

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical as well as other cancers. Racial and ethnic disparities in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in the United States are well documented. HPV vaccination has been recommended in the United States since 2006 and is expected to prevent HPV-attributable cancers in all racial/ethnic groups. Quadrivalent HPV vaccine-type (HPV6/11/16/18) and nonvaccine-type cervicovaginal HPV prevalences were estimated from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys in 2015–2018 (vaccine era) and 2003–2006 (prevaccine era) data. Prevalence ratios comparing 2015–2018 to 2003–2006 were calculated among sexually experienced Non-Hispanic White (NHW), Non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and Mexican American (MA) females aged 14–24 years. Quadrivalent HPV vaccine-type prevalence declined 82% (CI: 60%–92%) among NHW, 86% (CI: 64%–95%) among NHB, and 100% among MA females, forecasting future reductions in cervical cancer across racial/ethnic groups.