by Lucia Gutierrez, VDH Summer Intern Academy
Becoming a young adult brings new routines and responsibilities, from managing school and work commitments to taking a more active role in your health. That can mean knowing where to go when you get sick, but it also includes taking proactive steps to protect your health, like staying up to date on recommended vaccines.
If you are 26 or younger and have not started or finished the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series, now is the time to catch up. Completing the HPV vaccine series is an important step that you can take to reduce your risk of developing genital warts and HPV-related cancers.
“HPV vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent several types of cancer, and we want young adults to know that they have not missed their chance to protect themselves by getting vaccinated,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Deputy Director Melissa Viray, M.D. “We encourage adults through age 26 to talk with their healthcare provider about catching up if they did not complete the HPV vaccine series earlier.”
Why do I need the HPV vaccine?
Nearly everyone will get HPV at some point in their lives. HPV is a common virus that spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Most infections go away on their own, but some persist and can cause genital warts or lead to certain cancers. HPV is linked to several types of cancer, including cancers of the cervix, anus, vagina, vulva, penis, and back of the throat (oropharynx).
The HPV vaccine provides safe and effective protection against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cancer and genital warts.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the HPV vaccine for everyone through age 26 who did not start or complete the vaccine series when they were younger. HPV vaccine recommendation for persons 27 through 45 years of age is based on shared clinical decision-making with a healthcare provider. People who start the HPV vaccine series at age 15 or older need three doses to complete the series.
Not sure if you received all your recommended doses? Check your immunization record or talk with your healthcare provider. If you are due for a dose, schedule an appointment to catch up.
How do I check my immunization records?
Virginia residents can securely access, download, and print their available immunization records through the electronic portal managed by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). A healthcare provider can also help you review your immunization history to determine if you need catch-up vaccination.
How do I make an appointment?
You can make a vaccine appointment with your primary care provider, at a local pharmacy, or at an RHHD clinic. Visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc to locate primary care providers that accept private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and patients without insurance.
Most insurance plans cover the HPV vaccine at no cost through age 26 when you use an in-network provider. Uninsured or underinsured Virginians may qualify for free vaccines through Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) or Virginia Vaccines for Adults (VVFA). Find a VVFC or VVFA provider near you by visiting rhhd.gov/locatevax.
RHHD offers vaccination appointments for children, adolescents, and adults at its Cary Street (804-205-3500), Henrico East (804-652-3190) and Henrico West (804-501-4001) clinics. Bilingual Spanish-speaking staff are available at all locations.