HPV Vaccine Cuts Head and Neck Cancer Risk 68% in Ages 9-26

3 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · Aug 24

1.4 million U.S. medical records showed HPV-vaccinated people were markedly less likely to develop head and neck cancers, adding evidence that the shot protects beyond cervical cancer.
40 vaccinated patients developed head or neck cancer versus 130 in a matched non-HPV-vaccinated group followed for up to 13 years, with the strongest reduction seen in oropharyngeal cancers.
Ages 9 to 26 saw the clearest benefit: first-time recipients in that range were about 68% less likely to develop these cancers, likely because older adults may already have acquired high-risk HPV.
The Taiwan-led study, published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, shows association rather than proof of causation, and researchers said longer follow-up is needed because HPV-linked cancers can take decades to emerge.
63% of U.S. teens were up to date on HPV shots in 2024, trailing countries such as Denmark and Spain that are projected to reach 90% coverage by decade's end.