Top 5 Takeaways

1. HPV Vaccination Increase: Coverage with ≥1 dose of HPV vaccine increased from 71.5% in 2019 to 75.1% in 2020, and HPV UTD status rose from 54.2% to 58.6%.
2. Stable Tdap and MenACWY Coverage: Coverage with ≥1 dose of Tdap and MenACWY vaccines remained high and stable at 90.1% and 89.3%, respectively.
3. Disparities in Vaccination Coverage: Adolescents in non-metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) had lower vaccination coverage compared to those in MSA principal cities.
4. Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic disrupted routine immunization services, but the 2020 NIS-Teen data reflect vaccination coverage before the pandemic.
5. Socioeconomic Factors: Adolescents living below the federal poverty level had higher HPV vaccination coverage than those at or above the poverty level.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Cassandra Pingali, ncu9@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Pingali C, Yankey D, Elam-Evans LD, et al. National, Regional, State, and Selected Local Area Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years — United States, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1183–1190. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7035a1

Summary

The CDC analyzed data from the 2020 National Immunization Survey–Teen (NIS-Teen) to estimate vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13–17 years in the United States. The survey found that HPV vaccination coverage increased, while coverage for Tdap and MenACWY vaccines remained stable. Disparities in vaccination coverage were noted based on geographic location and socioeconomic status. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine immunization services, but the data reflect vaccination coverage before the pandemic’s impact.

Methods

NIS-Teen is an annual random-digit–dialed telephone survey that monitors vaccination coverage among adolescents aged 13–17 years. The survey collects sociodemographic information from parents or guardians and vaccination histories from providers. Data were weighted and analyzed using SAS-callable SUDAAN, and T-tests were used to assess differences in vaccination coverage by year and sociodemographic groups.

Discussion

Despite increases in HPV vaccination coverage, it remains lower than other routine vaccines. Disparities in vaccination coverage persist based on geographic location and poverty level. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted immunization services, but the full impact on routine adolescent vaccination will be assessed as more data become available. Efforts to ensure adolescents catch up on missed vaccinations are essential to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.

Conclusion

HPV vaccination coverage has improved, but disparities based on geographic location and socioeconomic status remain. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routine immunization services, highlighting the need for continued efforts to reach adolescents and ensure they receive recommended vaccines.

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