According to a new survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the uptake of two essential vaccines routinely recommended for adolescents has shown a positive increase last year. The findings, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, highlight significant trends in vaccination coverage among U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 years.
The 2024 National Immunization Survey-Teen surveyed 16,325 adolescents and revealed that coverage for the tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine rose from 89.0% in 2023 to 91.3% in 2024. This increase indicates a growing awareness and adherence to recommended vaccination schedules among parents and guardians.
Similarly, the survey showed an increase in coverage for the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY), which rose from 88.4% to 90.1%. Notably, the data indicated that coverage for one or more doses of the Tdap vaccine exceeded 90% in 39 states, while MenACWY coverage reached or surpassed 90% in 30 states, reflecting successful public health initiatives.
In addition to Tdap and MenACWY, the survey found that coverage for other recommended vaccines also increased in 2024. This includes a 4.5 percentage point rise in the meningococcal group B vaccine among 17-year-olds, as well as a 1.3 percentage point increase in the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for adolescents aged 13 to 17 who received two or more doses. Furthermore, the hepatitis B vaccine coverage saw a similar 1.3 percentage point rise among teens who completed three doses.
These advancements underscore the ongoing efforts of public health authorities to enhance vaccination coverage and protect the health of adolescents, as noted by CDC researchers.
Conversely, the survey revealed that the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has stagnated for the third consecutive year. Approximately 78.2% of teens reported having received one or more doses of the HPV vaccine, with only 62.9% considered up to date with the vaccination schedule. Coverage for HPV vaccine doses was 80% or higher in 26 states and the District of Columbia.
The CDC researchers pointed out a concerning trend: for the past nine years, HPV vaccine coverage has consistently been lower among teenagers living in predominantly rural areas compared to those in urban settings. Additionally, adolescents in rural regions are less likely to receive an HPV vaccine recommendation from healthcare providers, which may contribute to lower vaccination rates.
In light of these findings, the CDC authors suggest that health departments collaborate closely with healthcare providers and communities to enhance local vaccine access. By addressing the disparities in vaccination rates, particularly for the HPV vaccine, public health officials can work towards increasing adolescent vaccination coverage across diverse populations.
