The Peoria City/County Health Department is participating in National Immunization Awareness Month by providing local information related to a new immunization study. Greg Chance, Administrator at Peoria City/County Health Department states, “National Immunization Awareness Month is the perfect time to update the community on vaccines that prevent serious diseases like measles, diphtheria, rubella, and even some cancers. One particular immunization that has made recent headlines is the HPV vaccine that helps protect against the human papillomavirus virus (HPV) that can cause cervical, throat and anal cancer. With a recent study showing significant reduction in HPV in teens, we can use this exciting news to encourage more of our young people to get vaccinated.”

The study, published in the June issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases reveals that since the vaccine was introduced in 2006, vaccine-type HPV prevalence decreased 56 percent among female teenagers 14-19 years of age. HPV vaccine is a series of 3 shots recommended for boys and girls 11-12 years of age and is available up to 26 years of age for persons who did not get the vaccine when younger.

HPV is responsible for the most common sexually transmitted infections. There are 40 types of infection that are responsible for causing approximately 70 percent of cervical cancers, genital warts, vaginal and anal cancers and a growing number of head and neck cancers.

Chance further states, “Since 2006, Health Department staff provided HPV shots to over 1500 young women and men in Peoria County. Unfortunately we only have about 75% of those returning for the 2nd dose and only 60% returning for the 3rd. To be fully immunized, our young people need to have all 3 vaccine doses. As a community we still have important work to do to help all our young people become fully vaccinated to reduce the risk for HPV-related cancers throughout the lifetime.”

For more information on immunizations, check with your local healthcare provider or call the Peoria City/County Health Department at 679-6055. For more imformation on important public health issues, visit our website at www.pcchd.org.