Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the United States and a leading cause of several cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal. Yet, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, vaccination rates remain below national goals.

A growing body of research suggests that introducing the HPV vaccine earlier — at ages 9 or 10 — can support higher initiation and completion rates while making conversations easier for families and providers. Studies indicate that early initiation is feasible in routine practice, is well accepted by caregivers, and allows providers to frame the vaccine as a standard cancer‑prevention measure before adolescence.¹

HPV prevalence

Each year, approximately 37,800 cancer cases are directly linked to HPV infection, highlighting the necessity of vaccination to prevent these cancers. Here is a breakdown:²

Vaccine safety, efficacy, and recommendations

Clinical trials with over 15,000 participants have confirmed the HPV vaccine’s strong safety and efficacy. Within 12 years of its introduction, HPV infections dropped dramatically — 88 percent in females aged 14–19 and 81 percent in females aged 20–24 — with protection lasting more than 10 years.³

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV vaccination starting at ages 11–12, with the option to begin as early as age 9. Catch-up vaccinations are recommended up to age 26 for those not adequately vaccinated. For adults aged 27–45, vaccination may be considered based on individual risk factors and shared decision-making.⁴

Talking with parents

Providers are essential in educating parents about the HPV vaccine. When a provider emphasizes that the vaccine provides protection against HPV-related cancers and diseases and normalizes the vaccine by presenting it in the same way and on the same day as other routine vaccines, they can increase acceptance and reduce stigma.⁵

The CDC offers valuable information to assist providers in recommending vaccinations for adolescents, including Talking with Parents about HPV Vaccination and Five Ways to Boost Vaccination Rates.

Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set measures

Each year, Cigna Healthcare^® collects data for the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS^®)⁶ by requesting medical records from providers. This industry-wide method helps compare and assess a health plan’s performance in a variety of areas, including vaccinations.

For more information on the HEDIS measures related to HPV vaccination, visit the National Committee for Quality Assurance HEDIS Measures and Technical Resources web page.

Coverage

Cigna Healthcare typically covers routine vaccinations at no cost when administered at in-network locations. Our Preventive Care Services (A004) administrative policy includes additional information about coverage for vaccines.

To find a list of in-network providers, go to the provider directory on Cigna.com. Your patients can also locate in-network providers by logging in to myCigna.com or the myCigna^® App.

1. Rebecca Perkins. “Evidence supporting the initiation of HPV vaccination starting at age 9: Collection overview.” Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics. 12 October 2023. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21645515.2023.2269026#d1e141.

2. CDC. “Cancers Linked with HPV Each Year.” CDC. 03 December 2025. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/cases.html.

3. CDC. “HPV Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness Data.” CDC. 09 July 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/hcp/vaccination-considerations/safety-and-effectiveness-data.html.

4. CDC. “HPV Vaccine Recommendations.” CDC. 09 July 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/hcp/vaccination-considerations/index.html.

5. CDC. “Talking with Parents about HPV Vaccination.” CDC. 07 July 2024. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/hcp/vaccination-considerations/talking-with-parents.html.

6. HEDIS^® is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).