Per the notice below, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is highlighting International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day.

New York State Department of Health Recognizes International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day and Urges New Yorkers to Get Vaccinated

The HPV Vaccine is a Safe and Effective Cancer Prevention Measure

Vaccination Proven to Reduce 90 Percent of HPV-Related Cancers

The New York State Department of Health recognizes today, March 4, as International Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Awareness Day and stresses the importance of screenings and getting vaccinated for HPV.  International HPV Awareness Day was established to help spread awareness about HPV and educate people about the importance of vaccination and other preventive measures.

"Getting the HPV vaccine series is the best protection against preventable cancers such as cervical cancer which is caused by HPV infection," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.  "As a pediatrician for more than three decades, thousands of my patients enjoy the peace of mind this protection affords.  I encourage parents and guardians to talk with their child's provider and ensure they get the long-lasting protection the vaccine provides."

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.  Over 40 types of HPV can cause cancer many that are preventable with the vaccine.  These include cancer of the cervix, mouth, throat, genital area, and anus.  An average of 2,829 New Yorkers were diagnosed with an HPV-related cancer each year between 2017 and 2021, with about 58 percent of cases in females and 42 percent in males.  Starting HPV vaccination at age 9 is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Practice, the American Cancer Society, and multiple organizations across the state. The HPV vaccine is given in a series of two or three shots. Individuals who start the HPV vaccine series between the ages of 9 and 14 need two shots at least six months apart.  Those who start the series later – between ages 15 and 26 – and anyone who has a weak immune system (age 9 through 26) will need three doses for full protection from the virus.  Adults through age 45 who were not already vaccinated might choose to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with a doctor about the benefits and potential risks of vaccination.  Even though the HPV vaccine can prevent many cancers, more than 38 percent of adolescents (ages 13-15) in New York State have not gotten the vaccine as recommended.  The Department endorses the HPV Vaccination Roundtable's 'Start at Age 9' campaign and recommends starting HPV vaccination for children at age 9.  The vaccine is safe and effective and can be administered at the same time as other recommended vaccines, including:

• Tdap (which prevents tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, or whooping cough).
• Meningococcal vaccine (which prevents meningitis).
• COVID-19 and flu vaccine.

The Department works closely with the NYS Cancer Consortium's HPV Coalition, local health departments, and Cancer Prevention in Action partners to increase HPV vaccination rates and reduce the burden of HPV‐related cancers and diseases.  Local health departments or federally designated health facilities may participate in the NYSDOH Vaccines for Adults Program, which gives the vaccination free of charge, for anyone who are uninsured or underinsured and over the age of 18.  Since 2021, pharmacists in New York State are also allowed to administer the HPV vaccine to individuals who are 18 years of age and older.

Additional Resources for Parents:

• New York State Department of Health vaccine safety.
• New York State Department of Health Teen Sexual Health
• New York State Department of Health Sexually Transmitted Infection Information