Why Are Men Bypassing HPV Vaccination

A recent analysis of data from a nationwide health survey reveals "concerning" disparities in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among adults. 

More than 84% of the 9,440 people aged 27 to 45 years involved in a national sample published by the journal Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics on March 27, 2024, had yet to receive a cancer-prevention HPV vaccine.

The lowest vaccine uptake was observed among men, people of Hispanic heritage, and those with lower educational levels. 

Specifically, women had over three times greater odds (aOR = 3.58; 95% CI 3.03, 4.23) of HPV vaccine uptake than men.

Dr. Osazuwa-Peters, who led a team of specialists from institutions, commented in a press release on March 28, 2024, "For oropharyngeal cancer, about 75% of new cases are in males."

"As oral HPV is the primary cause of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer, providing the HPV vaccine to middle-aged individuals is undoubtedly an essential strategy for decreasing the risk of infection, persistence, and eventual HPV-associated oropharyngeal malignancy.  
 
"While the population benefit of the HPV vaccines in preventing oropharyngeal cancer may not be realized until years later, there are ongoing clinical trials to establish that the current vaccines are effective in the prevention of oral HPV infection."  

HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that can cause cancers later in life, such as cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar. 

Various HPV vaccines are approved and available worldwide in 2024.