Adolescent Vaccination Coverage in the U.S. from 2017 to 2018

The recommended vaccination schedule for adolescents includes vaccines to protect against human papilloma virus (HPV), meningococcal disease (MenACWY), and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap). Because teens have fewer regularly scheduled encounters with healthcare providers, completing the vaccination series (primary and booster doses for MenACWY, two or three vaccines for HPV, and administration of Tdap vaccine) can be challenging. Moreover, routine administration of HPV vaccine has been met with opposition (NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Feb 2018 and J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2017; 6:360; NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Oct 2018 and Pediatrics 2018; 142:e20180458).

Using the National Immunization Survey–Teen, researchers analyzed vaccine c…