Protect Your Family From Cancer: What to Know About the HPV Vaccine

Most people have never thought much about HPV, and that's understandable. It doesn't usually cause symptoms, and it isn't something we talk about at the dinner table. But HPV is one of the most common infections there is, and some types can lead to cancer years down the road. The good news is that there is a safe, effective vaccine that helps prevent those infections before they start.

Here is what every family in Darke County should know.

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a very common infection. Nearly everyone will get it at some point in their lives. More than 42 million Americans are currently infected with types of HPV known to cause disease, and about 13 million people, including teens, become newly infected each year.

HPV affects both women and men, and it can be passed to others even when there are no signs or symptoms. Most infections clear up on their own. The concern is the ones that don't.

How HPV is linked to cancer

Some HPV infections can cause cancer. These include:

• Cervical cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer
• Penile cancer
• Anal cancer
• Throat cancer

The CDC estimates that HPV causes about 36,500 cancers in the United States every year. It also estimates that vaccination could prevent more than 90% of them.

One more reason prevention matters: cervical cancer can be found early with a screening test, but the other cancers caused by HPV often don't have a routine screening and may not be found until they are more advanced.

Does the HPV vaccine work?

Yes. Since the vaccine was introduced in the U.S. in 2006, infections with the HPV types that cause most HPV cancers have dropped 88% among teen girls and 81% among young adult women, according to the CDC. CDC surveillance also found that cervical precancers fell 79% between 2008 and 2022 among screened women ages 20 to 24, the group most likely to have been vaccinated as kids.

Protection also lasts. People who received the vaccine have been followed for at least about 12 years, and their protection has stayed high with no sign of fading.

Who should get vaccinated, and when?

The CDC recommends HPV vaccination at ages 11 to 12, and it can be started as early as age 9. The vaccine works best when it is given before any exposure to HPV, which is why earlier is better.

• Ages 9 to 14: 2 doses, given 6 to 12 months apart
• Ages 15 and older: 3 doses
• Through age 26: catch-up vaccination is recommended for anyone who didn't start or finish the series

If you are older than 26, the benefit of starting the series is smaller, but some adults may still benefit. It's a good question to bring to your provider.

How Darke County compares

Our community has room to grow when it comes to HPV vaccination.

• Ages 13 to 15: 22.9% of Darke County kids have had the recommended 2 doses, compared with 39.5% statewide.
• Ages 16 to 45: 17.8% are vaccinated in Darke County, compared with 22.4% statewide.

This matters here at home. Between 2018 and 2022, Darke County had a higher rate of cervical cancer than both the state and the nation. Raising vaccination rates is one of the most direct ways we can work to change that.

Vaccination and screening work together

The HPV vaccine prevents new infections, but it does not treat an infection you already have. That's why regular cervical cancer screening is still important, even if you've been vaccinated. If you're due for a screening, talk with your primary care provider about scheduling one.

Where to get the HPV vaccine

The Darke County General Health District offers a walk-in vaccine clinic every Tuesday. No appointment is needed.

• Location: 300 Garst Avenue, Greenville, OH 45331
• Hours: 8:00 to 10:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM
• Phone: 937.548.4196

You can also talk with your or your child's provider about getting vaccinated or catching up on missed doses.

Have questions?

If you're not sure whether you or your child is up to date, or you just want to talk through the vaccine, we're glad to help. Call Wayne HealthCare at 937.548.1141 or visit WayneHealthCare.org.

Protecting your family from cancer can start with a simple conversation and a quick visit.