Data Points: Another vaccination race for HPV

Roughly 1 in 4 Americans have human papillomavirus—HPV. While the infections often go away on their own, those that don’t are a leading cause of cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The HPV vaccine, given in two shots, is one of the most effective defenses and is highly recommended for young adults through the age of 26. But only about half of young women and about 20% of young men have received the HPV vaccine, based on CDC data. In January, HHS launched a new public health campaign—HPV VAX NOW—aimed at increasing awareness.