Even though the HPV vaccine can prevent many cancers caused by HPV infection, nearly half of adolescents in New York State (NYS) are not getting the vaccine as recommended.
The ongoing pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for healthcare providers and patients. A recent study1 showed a 71% drop in healthcare visits for 7-17-year-olds, ages when critical vaccines like Tdap, HPV, and meningitis are given.
In NYS, up-to-date HPV vaccination coverage is much lower than coverage of other recommended vaccines for adolescents age 13-17 years (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, 95%; meningitis, 95%; HPV, 57%).4 HPV vaccine distribution has not returned to pre-pandemic levels and remains a public health priority.
The HPV vaccine can help prevent 6 different types of cancer in both boys and girls. It can be given as early as age 9, and through age 26 for both men and women. If you have not received the HPV vaccine, please talk to your healthcare provider.
