Expanding HPV Vaccination in the United States Through Policy Action: A Call for Legislative Support

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination remains significantly underutilized despite its proven efficacy in preventing cancer. As of 2022, only 38.6% of children ages 9 to 17 years have received one or more HPV vaccine doses, with particularly low coverage among younger children (7.3% for ages 9–10 years) who would benefit most from early vaccination. This results in approximately 36,000 preventable HPV-related cancer cases annually, with an economic burden exceeding $1.7 billion. Significant disparities exist between metropolitan (39.4%–41.1%) and nonmetropolitan areas (30.0%). This brief presents evidence-based policy recommendations for state legislators to increase HPV vaccination rates through school-entry requirements, enhanced funding for equitable access, and provider education targeting children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years. Implementation of these measures could prevent 90% of cervical cancers and substantially reduce five other HPV-related cancers, saving thousands of lives annually while lowering healthcare costs by an estimated $3.5 billion over a decade. Immediate action is essential to protect the current generation from future cancer risk.