Time to get Vaccinated
Tiempo de Vacunarte / Time to get Vaccinate
Background
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, with more than 150 identified subtypes. Certain high-risk HPV subtypes are associated with the development of several cancers, including cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers in women; penile cancer in men; and anal and oropharyngeal cancers in both men and women.
HPV causes an estimated 39,000 cases of cancer in the U.S. each year. Approximately 40% of men and women have genital HPV and about half of those are infected with high-risk subtypes (24.2% of men and 19.9% of women). An estimated 85% of people will get an HPV infection during their lifetime.
HPV infection can be prevented through a vaccine series, which has been recommended since 2006. About 60% of U.S. teens aged 13-17 are up to date on their HPV vaccinations. The HPV vaccine is estimated to prevent up to 90% of cancers caused by HPV infection and genital warts.
Barriers to uptake of the vaccine include lack of knowledge about HPV and the vaccine, negative beliefs about the vaccine, and lack of accessibility to receiving the vaccine.
Overview of Program
The overall goal of Tiempo de Vacunarte is to reduce the burden of HPV-associated cancers, most particularly cervical, in underserved areas by providing no-cost vaccines. Components of the program include an educational session and no-cost HPV vaccinations.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible participants are girls/women and boys/men between the ages of 9 and 45 years old who are uninsured/underinsured, have not completed the HPV vaccination series, and have a Texas address. Parents will be providing consent and receiving the education for minors 9 to 17 years old.
Funding
This program has been funded by three Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) grants since 2014. The program covers 20 counties, including El Paso and West Texas Counties.
| Outcome | Total |
|---|---|
| Individuals recruited | 1,796 |
| Vaccines given | 2,483 |
| First doses given | 1,212 |
| Second doses given | 747 |
| Third doses given | 524 |
| Individuals completing the series | 524 |
| Completion rate | 29.2% |