HPV Vaccine Linked to 80% Drop in Precancerous Cervical Lesions in Young Women

A CDC study highlights the vaccine's effectiveness as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former critic, begins his role as U.S. health secretary.

The CDC reports an 80% decline in precancerous cervical lesions among women aged 20-24 between 2008 and 2022, attributed to the HPV vaccine.
The vaccine, first approved in 2006, is recommended for children aged 11-12 and has shown significant cancer prevention benefits in younger, vaccinated cohorts.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S., responsible for approximately 10,800 cervical cancer cases annually.
The study notes smaller declines in older age groups, likely due to later vaccination under catch-up programs, which are less effective.
The findings coincide with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation as health secretary, despite his past criticism of the HPV vaccine and financial ties to related litigation.