HPV Vaccine

Cervical cancer and HPV

According to CDC, more than 9 of every 10 cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV. Almost all cervical cancer can be prevented by HPV vaccination. HPV also affects men. About 4 out of every 10 cases of cancer caused by HPV occur among men. Every year in the U.S., over 15,000 men get cancers caused by HPV.

HPV is estimated to cause nearly 36,500 cases of cancer in men and women every year in the United States. HPV vaccination can prevent 33,700 of these cancers by preventing the infections that cause them.

When should you get HPV vaccine?

CDC recommended schedule

All persons up through age 26 years: 2- or 3-dose series depending on age at initial vaccination or condition.

• Age 9–14 years at initial vaccination: 2 doses at least 5 months apart.

• Age 15 years or older at initial vaccination: 3-dose series at 0, 1–2 months, 6 months.

HPV vaccine is effective but we need to do more!

For women in their 20s, the first generation to receive the HPV vaccine, cervical cancer rates are dropping sharply. But for women ages 30 to 44, rates were rising through 2019, highlighting the need for more screening and better vaccine uptake, the researchers said (WSJ). Only 35.7% of hispanic women aged 19 to 26 who ever received at least 1 doze of the HPV vaccine, 20 percent less compared to white women (source: Office of Minority Health of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

Free Vaccination

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines at no cost to children ages 18 years and younger. You can locate a local health department to schedule an appoint in one of their vaccine centers. Go to this CDC page (www.naccho.org/membership/lhd-directory) or the QR code below to find website and phone number to contact your local office.

If you live in San Diego, schedule an appointment at county of San Diego immunization clinics

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/hhsa/programs/phs/immunization_branch/immunization_clinic_schedule.html