Each year, 6.2 million women in this country join the ranks of 20 million other American women infected with HPV, dramatically raising the rate of women at increased risk for cervical cancer.
Fortunately, a vaccine exists that could make a significant reduction in the rate of cervical cancer, perhaps even eliminating introduce the likelihood that a woman will contract the strains of HPV that most significantly increase her risk of developing cervical cancer.
Recognizing the critical role of LHDs in the successful uptake of HPV vaccines, NACCHO called a meting to discuss adolescent health and immunization in March 2006. Representatives from vaccine manufacturers, academia, provider groups, professional organizations, and public health agencies discussed ways to promote consistent messages to increase the proportion of adolescents receiving the HPV vaccine.
A follow-up meeting took place in September, where participants identified barriers to reaching targeted populations and shared information, updates, and identified strategies that partners might implement to address the noted barriers.
