Poweshiek County Encourages HPV Vaccination – the Key to Cancer Prevention

Poweshiek County joins the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) in a new effort focused on improving human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates among Iowa’s teens and pre-teens. Among adolescents aged 11 to 18, 66 percent have received the Tdap vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis; by comparison, only 19 percent have received the three doses of HPV vaccine recommended for full protection. In Poweshiek County, 16% of females in 13-15 age group percent have received three doses of the HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer.

The “You are the Key” campaign targets parents, the decision-makers when it comes to vaccinating their children. “About 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV. About 14 million people become newly infected each year,” said Poweshiek County Public Health Director Patricia Hinrichs. “In most cases, HPV infection will go away and the individual will never know they had it; however, when HPV does not go away, it can cause a variety of cancers, including cervical cancer. Parents are encouraged to take action now to protect their child against a cancer that can be prevented with a simple vaccination.”

Approximately 33,000 HPV-associated cancers occur annually in the U.S., including 12,600 HPV-associated cancers in males. The HPV vaccine protects against the most common types of human papillomavirus, which are responsible for approximately 90 percent of cervical cancers. Cancer often takes years to develop after a person is infected with HPV and an infected individual can spread the virus even when they have no signs or symptoms. The HPV vaccine works best when given in early adolescence, as it allows for immunity to develop and offer better protection as a child matures. Both boys and girls are recommended to receive three doses of vaccine for full protection.

If you have an adolescent that has not received the HPV vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider about how it can benefit your child. For more information on the HPV vaccine, visit http://bit.ly/1yrhxU0. For more information about Poweshiek County Public Health, visit http://www.grmc.us/.

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