PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a dip in routine childhood vaccinations, but a new report from the CDC shows a troubling trend for the vaccine that protects against human papillomavirus (HPV).
Every year in the U.S., nearly 37,000 people are estimated to be diagnosed with a cancer caused by an HPV infection.
“In some cases, this virus the body just clears it on its own, but not always,” said Dr. Caroline Weingart, a Pediatrician with Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
HPV can cause six types of cancer: anal, cervical, throat, penile, vaginal and cancer of the vulva.
But the CDC says HPV vaccination could prevent more than 90% of these cancers from ever developing.
“As pediatricians, we are working to encourage parents to vaccinate their children against HPV because we know this is so important for their futures,” said Weingart.
Weingart said children’s bodies respond best to the vaccine.
It’s recommended for pre-teens at 11 or 12 years old, but can be started as early as age 9.
However, a CDC report finds HPV vaccination coverage has not improved since the pandemic.
Of those eligible to receive the recommended vaccine at no cost, children born in 2010 were more than 10 percentage points lower than those born in 2007 when it comes to being up to date with HPV vaccination.
“Parents can schedule well checks with their pediatrician and family or family doctor and they can ask their doctor about any recommended vaccinations that their child may need and get their children caught up if they are in need of anything,” said Weingart.
The CDC also says in addition to getting vaccinations through a pediatrician’s office, they can also be administered through clinics at schools, pharmacies, and back to school health events, which allows for the recommended vaccines to be more accessible to all.