
HPV Vaccination Around the World
Across the globe, the HPV vaccine is helping to prevent cervical cancer — but the U.S. could be doing more
Jan 30, 2025
test
Conditions & TreatmentsAlex Fulton has been working in the wellness field for more than 20 years. She has written extensively about integrative medicine, herbalism, supplements and other topics related to holistic health. Alex also focuses on issues related to women's health, from menstruation to menopause. She has collaborated with physicians, midwives and functional medicine practitioners to promote natural approaches to health care for women. She has a BA in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Full BioLearn about our editorial policies
Across the globe, the HPV vaccine is helping to prevent cervical cancer — but the U.S. could be doing more
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
HPV (human papillomavirus) is very common — so common that almost all of us will get it at some point.
HPV infections often go away on their own, but the virus can cause some types of cancer.
According to the World Health Organization, 140 countries have made HPV vaccines part of their national immunization programs. And it’s working.
Here in the United States, we still have work to do when it comes to HPV vaccination.
Just over 61% of 13-17 year olds in the U.S. were fully vaccinated against HPV in 2023. Compare this to vaccine coverage in these countries as of January 2024:
The HPV vaccine prevents cancer
Talk to your healthcare provider about protecting yourself or your children from cancer with the HPV vaccine.
This educational resource was created with support from Merck.