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March 2, 2025 – A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides further evidence that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is effectively preventing cervical precancerous lesions in young women in the United States. This report arrives amidst ongoing public discussions about the vaccine’s safety, including past claims made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The CDC report, published in the MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, found that from 2008 to 2022, rates of precancerous cervical lesions decreased by approximately 80% among women aged 20 to 24 who underwent cervical cancer screening.
HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that can lead to various cancers, including cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine has been recommended in the U.S. since 2006 for girls aged 11 or 12, and since 2011 for boys of the same age. Catch-up vaccinations are recommended for individuals up to age 26 who have not been vaccinated.
Women in their 20s are the age group most likely to have received the HPV vaccine, contributing to the significant decline in precancerous lesions observed in the CDC report.
Jane Montealegre of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, who was not involved in the study, described the decline as “dramatic” and attributed it to the increasing use of the HPV vaccine. “This should reassure parents that they’re doing the right thing in getting their children vaccinated against HPV,” Montealegre stated.
The report’s findings align with observations from other countries that have also reported declining rates of cervical precancer in younger, highly vaccinated populations.
The study comes amidst scrutiny of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s past statements regarding the HPV vaccine and his financial involvement in litigation against its manufacturer, Merck. He has since stated he will give any fees earned from litigation to a family member.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information available at the time of publication and reflects the findings of a CDC report. Scientific understanding and public health recommendations can evolve over time. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals with questions or concerns about the HPV vaccine or cervical cancer should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. The views expressed by individuals mentioned in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication.
