The CDC reports that over 42 million Americans have types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause disease. In New Jersey alone, 6,488 new cases of HPV-associated cancers were recorded from 2016 to 2019.
The HPV vaccine significantly reduces HPV and related diseases through both direct and herd protection. Despite this, vaccination rates among New Jersey children ages 13-17 have dropped since 2022.
Dr. Noa’a Shimoni, MD, MPH, Professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Associate VP for Student Health and Wellness, addresses declining HPV vaccination rates using data-driven strategies. She shared insights during an Innovative HPV Strategies webinar presented by the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey (Partnership) and generously sponsored by Fidelis Care. We are grateful to be collaborating with Fidelis Care on a series of upcoming webinars that highlight the importance of HPV prevention and raise awareness across our communities.
“As a family physician and as a physician who provides a lot of reproductive health care, I’ve seen many, many patients, both with warts (papilloma) and with different HPV infections — dysplasia and precancerous lesions,” Dr. Shimoni explained. “So, this is very near and dear to my heart to prevent patients from having to deal with any of this,” she added.
What is HPV?
- HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S., infecting about 14 million people each year.
- There are 200 related viruses. Some cause warts, while others can cause cancers of the anus, cervix, mouth, penis, throat, vagina, and vulva.
- HPV affects all genders.
Why are HPV Vaccination Rates Declining?
According to Dr. Shimoni, potential reasons for vaccination decline include increased vaccination hesitancy, lack of knowledge about HPV, misinformation, providers not recommending the vaccine, and a lack of sexual activity. She views these roadblocks as an opportunity to engage with patients to help them better understand HPV, and as a challenge to improve how we communicate and enhance vaccine accessibility.
“You know that most people will be sexually active at some point, and this (HPV vaccine) will protect them for their entire lives, potentially,” Dr. Shimoni said.
Strategies for Healthcare Professionals
Two key strategies for increasing HPV vaccination rates are inclusion in national vaccine programs and requirements, and direct provider recommendations. Along with the American Academy of Family Physicians and other health organizations, Dr. Shimoni advises health professionals to treat the HPV vaccine as a given, not an exception, and urges providers to recommend it directly to their patients.
Additionally, Dr. Shimoni discussed an exciting multi-year strategic project that she is working on at Rutgers University in collaboration with Student Health Services, the Office of Population Health, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), Screen NJ, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the School of Communications and Information, and the university community.
“What a powerful example of using education, partnership, and accessibility to increase vaccinations,” remarked Leanne Loewenthal, Senior Manager of Immunizations at the Partnership.
HPV Vaccine Education and Guidance
Loewenthal is currently working with Dr. Shimoni on an HPV-focused student initiative at Rutgers University. A Partnership and NJDOH collaboration, the initiative tasks students with creating a PR campaign to promote HPV vaccination among university students, similar to our Protect Me With 3+ vaccine awareness contest. Initiatives like these directly engage students in vaccination education and advocacy. Their insights help health professionals better understand how to communicate with young people about vaccines and other health topics.
The webinar ended with Dr. Shimoni emphasizing the importance of HPV vaccination and encouraging healthcare providers to recommend it between the ages of 11 and 12 for optimal efficacy.
Dr. Shimoni concluded, “No matter what, everybody wants to prevent cancer in their children.”
Up Next
Don’t miss Healthy Futures: A Foundation for Healthy Childhoods webinar on Thursday, February 19, from 12 pm – 1 pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts to address questions about childhood vaccinations. Your participation can make a difference — register now!
Partnership Immunization Support and Vaccine Education
The Partnership provides vaccine education and support to both healthcare professionals and the public. Learn more about our initiatives here.
View the webinar below:
We are proud to collaborate with Fidelis Care on a series of webinars that highlight the importance of HPV prevention and raise awareness across our communities. We are sincerely grateful for their support in bringing this informative series to life. Together, we are working to empower communities with knowledge and resources for healthier futures.