Back-to-school physicals offer a convenient opportunity to vaccinate boys and girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common and easily transmitted virus that can cause six types of cancer that affect males and females. Currently, there is no treatment available for HPV. However, there is a safe vaccine series available that is most effective when given at 11-12 years old.

The Iowa Department of Public Health’s Immunization Bureau recently released data showing that only 42 percent of girls and 3 percent of boys have completed their HPV vaccination series. In response, the Iowa Cancer Consortium and statewide partners have revised the 2018-2022 Iowa Cancer Plan with an aggressive goal to increase HPV vaccination rates for males and females aged 13-15 to 60 percent by 2022. “Preventing cancer from occurring is just one of the plan’s priorities, and if we vaccinated all males and females at the recommended age, so many cancers could be prevented,” said Tessa Allred, a Program Coordinator with the Iowa Cancer Consortium.

The Iowa Cancer Consortium is currently producing a video that features cancer survivors encouraging parents to vaccinate their 11-12 year olds against HPV. Morgan Newman, a cervical cancer survivor and advocate, is featured in the series and strongly encourages parents to consider the vaccine for their children: “It’s cancer prevention. It’s kind of a no-brainer.”

The Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa Cancer Consortium and the American Cancer Society are encouraging parents to vaccinate their 11-12 year olds during back-to-school season. Talk to your child’s doctor about other recommended vaccines they may need.