DES MOINES, IA (Feb. 26, 2018) — Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination rates in Iowa are above the national average, according to a new study by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA). From 2010-2016, 31 percent of adolescent Wellmark members in Iowa received the initial dose of the CDC-recommended HPV vaccination by their 13th birthday. This is above the national average of 29 percent. Iowa’s first-dose HPV-vaccine rates increased from 22 percent for adolescents born in 2000 (who turned 13 years old in 2013) to 39 percent for adolescents born in 2003 (who turned 13 years old in 2016). Nationally, 22 percent of adolescents in 2013 received an initial dose of HPV vaccination compared to 34 percent in 2016. Further, 10 percent of adolescent Iowans completed the full three-dose HPV regimen by age 13 in 2016, which is above the national average of nine percent.

Dr. Bill Jagiello, Wellmark’s medical director, says “The HPV vaccine is more than 97 percent effective at preventing infection from types of HPV that cause most HPV cancers. However, it must be given before your child is exposed to the virus. That’s why it’s important to schedule an annual well-child visit with your family doctor to stay up-to-date on vaccinations and discuss any additional health concerns.” The study also found in Iowa:

• HPV-vaccination lags behind other adolescent vaccines, where 72 percent of adolescents in 2016 received the meningococcal vaccine, and 84 percent received the Tdap vaccine.
• Only 38 percent of adolescent girls received a dose of HPV vaccine compared to 40 percent of boys in 2016. However, this outpaced the national average of 37 percent and 32 percent, respectively.

The report, “Adolescent Vaccination Rates in America,” represents a comprehensive study of outpatient medical claims for commercially insured BCBS members born from 2000 through 2003 and who were vaccinated by their 13th birthday between 2010 and 2016.