Per the notice below, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is highlighting the benefits of getting vaccinated against the human papilloma virus (HPV), and particularly getting vaccinated early in life.

New York State Department of Health and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Encourage HPV Vaccination Starting at Age 9 to Prevent Cancer

Health Officials Urge Parents to Protect Against HPV-Related Cancers by Starting Vaccine Earlier

Vaccination Proven to Reduce 90 Percent of HPV-Related Cancers

The New York State Department of Health and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene today encouraged parents and health providers to begin the HPV vaccine series as early as age 9, as recommended by national organizations, to maximize cancer prevention.  The NYS Immunization Information System (NYSIIS) and the NYC Citywide Immunization Registry (CIR) reflect the updated forecast schedules to help track progress and remind providers of this important recommendation.  Studies show that two doses given six months apart to those ages 9 to 14 years produced an immune response as great as or better than three doses given to older adolescents and young adults.  According to more than 10 years of post-licensure vaccine monitoring in the United States and other countries, and numerous clinical trials, HPV vaccines administered to children ages 9 years and older are safe.  Using the routine 9-year-old visit to begin administering the HPV vaccine can facilitate initiation of the two-dose series and provide more opportunities to complete the series by age 13 years.

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

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.  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.

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.  In NYS, nearly 2,900 people are diagnosed with an HPV-related cancer each year, with about 58% of cases in females and 42% in males.  Cancers caused by HPV include cancers of the cervix, oropharynx, vagina, vulva, penis, and anus.  Cervical cancer is the most diagnosed HPV-related cancer in females, and oropharyngeal cancer is the most common in males.  Non-Hispanic White males have the highest incidence of oropharyngeal cancer compared to other males.  For all HPV-related cancers combined, incidence rates among both non-Hispanic White females and males rose significantly from 2007 through 2021 by 0.7% and 1.5% per year, respectively, while incidence rates for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic people decreased significantly.  Despite these decreases, Black non-Hispanic people had the highest rate of all HPV-related cancers combined among females in NYS, primarily because of higher rates of cervical cancer.  These health outcomes are likely due to systemic racism and structural inequities, such as access to healthcare and socioeconomic factors.

Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said, "The HPV vaccine saves lives by preventing 90 percent of HPV-related cancers, including cervical, throat, and penile cancer.  The NYC Health Department encourages parents and caregivers to speak with their children's health care provider about the benefits of the HPV vaccine and to start the series beginning at age 9."

The Department works closely with the NYS Cancer Consortium's HPV Coalition and local health departments 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:

• The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine.
• New York State Department of Health vaccine safety.