Great news! The Community Healthcare Association of New York State has joined 44 other health organizations in NYS to recommend starting the HPV vaccine series at age 9 to help close the large gap between HPV immunization and other recommended adolescent vaccinations, and most importantly to prevent 6 types of HPV cancers. We welcome you to distribute this letter to your providers that encourages incorporating “Start at 9” in their clinical practice.
Starting the HPV vaccination series at age 9 is recommended by the American Cancer Society, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable (HPVRT), which includes leading thought experts from clinical, public health, and academic research institutions. Previous guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends routine HPV vaccination at age 11 or 12 years but notes that HPV vaccination can be given starting at age 9 years old.
There are many benefits to initiating the HPV vaccine series at age 9. These include:
1. Offers more time for completion of the series by age 13
2. Results in a strong immune response to the HPV vaccine and increased efficacy
3. Increases the likelihood of vaccinating prior to first HPV exposure
4. Decreases questions about sexual activity by parents and guardians
5. Decreases requests for only vaccines that are “required” for school
6. Decreases the number of administered shots per visit
7. Increases vaccinations and therefore the number of cancers prevented
8. Has been shown by several systems to increase vaccination rates 9. Has been shown to be highly acceptable to systems, providers, and parents.
To have your own community health center endorse starting at 9 click here and for more information go to the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable.