HPV is a common infection that doesn't cause any health problems in most people. But when HPV does not go away, it can casue genital warts and cancer. Almost all cervical cancer is caused by HPV. The virus has also been linked to cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and throat.

The HPV vaccine used in the US since 2016 protects against 6 cancer-causing types of HPV and 2 types that cause most genital warts. The 6 types cause about 90% of HPV cancers.

The vaccines work best if they are given before an infection occurs. This is why it's recommended for girls and boys ages 11 to 12 - because the vaccines produce the strongest immune response at this age. This is also an age when children will still be seeing their doctor regularly and getting other vaccinations.

PPV Vaccination Rates are Rising Among American Teens, American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/hpv-vaccination-rates-are-rising-among-american-teens.html

Immunize AR’s HPV Prevention Workgroup Members. The Arkansas Cancer Coalition has provided key funding for the establishment and operation of this workgroup.

• Use medical visits to review adolescents’ vaccination histories
• Strongly recommend childhood HPV vaccination to parents and guardians
• Give the vaccination to 11- and 12-year-olds at the same time as they get other vaccinations
• Use reminder tools to help both providers and patients avoid missing opportunities to vaccinate

PPV Vaccination Rates are Rising Among American Teens, American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/hpv-vaccination-rates-are-rising-among-american-teens.html

Strategy 1: Implement evidence-based health systems strategies to improve childhood and adolescent immunication rates.

Strategy 2: Promote compliance with immunization requirements for attendance at daycare, schools and college.

Strategy 3: Improve parents' knowledge and confidence in the benefits and safety of immunizations.

Strategy 4: Increase the number and percentage of providers offering immunizations to children and adolescents.

Strategy 5: Provide education on childhood and adolescent immunizations to students in health professional schools.

Strategy 6: Provide continuing education on childhood and adolescent immunizations to health professionals.

Strategy 7: Improve provider adherence to ACIP recommendations for childhood and adolescent immunizations.

Immunize AR’s website: https://www.immunizear.org/

National HPV Vaccination Roundtable: www.hpvroundtable.org

Arkansas Cancer Coalition: www.arcancercoalition.org