U.S.: HPV Vaccination Status of College Students, by gender
Vaccination statusMen,
in %
Women,
in %
Trans/Gender Non-conforming,
in %
Have not received HPV vaccine241712
Have started, but not completed HPV vaccine345
Completed HPV vaccine395454
I dont know my HPV vaccination status342529
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2023
  • Published: Mar 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 6, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Gender disparities in completed HPV vaccinations among U.S. college students

Women and Trans/Gender Non-conforming individuals have a significantly higher rate of completed HPV vaccines at 54% each, compared to 39% of men. This indicates a notable gender disparity in vaccination completion rates, highlighting the effectiveness of public health efforts among these groups.

Unawareness of HPV vaccination status prevalent among men

34% of men report being unaware of their HPV vaccination status, the highest among all groups surveyed. In contrast, 25% of women and 29% of Trans/Gender Non-conforming individuals also report uncertainty. This suggests a significant information gap that could affect health outcomes.

Lower HPV vaccine initiation among men and trans/gender non-conforming students

Only 3% of men and 5% of Trans/Gender Non-conforming individuals have started but not completed the HPV vaccine series, compared to 4% of women. These figures reveal lower rates of vaccine initiation among these groups, indicating potential barriers to access or awareness.

Least vaccinated group: Trans/Gender Non-conforming students

The Trans/Gender Non-conforming group has the lowest percentage of individuals who have not received the HPV vaccine at 12%, which is lower than both men (24%) and women (17%). This suggests a higher level of vaccine acceptance or uptake within the trans/gender non-conforming community.

Comparative analysis of HPV vaccine completion rates

Comparing completed HPV vaccine rates, a stark contrast emerges between genders. While over half of women and Trans/Gender Non-conforming students have completed the series, less than two-fifths of men have done so. This discrepancy underscores the need for targeted interventions to increase vaccine uptake among men.

HPV vaccination uncertainty: A common trend across genders

A considerable proportion of students across all gender identities do not know their HPV vaccination status, with rates ranging from 25% to 34%. This widespread uncertainty points to a broader issue of communication and education regarding HPV vaccination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the significantly higher rate of completed HPV vaccines among U.S. college students?

Women and Trans/Gender Non-conforming individuals have a significantly higher completion rate, at 54% each.

Which gender reports the highest unawareness regarding their HPV vaccination status?

Men, with 34% of them being unaware of their HPV vaccination status.

Which gender group shows the lowest percentage of individuals who have not received the HPV vaccine?

It is the Trans/Gender Non-conforming group, with 12%.

Terms and Definitions

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of over 200 related viruses, among which several are sexually transmitted. Some types can cause health problems including genital warts and certain types of cancer.

HPV vaccination involves inoculation with a vaccine that protects against the Human Papillomavirus. The vaccine prevents most genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer. It is given in a series of two or three shots, depending on age.

Vaccination status refers to whether a person has received certain vaccinations, and if so, which ones. This status can include fully vaccinated (all series of a certain vaccine received), partially vaccinated (some but not all series of a vaccine received), or not vaccinated.

College students refer to individuals who are enrolled in a post-secondary education institution. These individuals can be pursuing various degrees of higher education including associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix - the lower part of the uterus (womb) that connects to the vagina. It is commonly caused by persistent high-risk HPV infections.

Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted infection primarily caused by certain strains of HPV. This leads to the formation of soft growths on the genitals and surrounding areas.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections that are spread primarily through person-to-person sexual contact. Some STIs can also be spread through non-sexual means such as via blood or from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth. STIs include infections like HPV, HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, among others.
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