"Starts at 9" Campaign to Prevent HPV Cancers

Posted on October 11, 2024

From the Maine Immunization Program

October 11, 2024

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is estimated to cause about 37,000 new cases of cancer each year in the U.S.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for adolescents between the ages 9 and 12, is safe, and is extremely effective in preventing HPV infections and cancers. Recent studies confirm that “on-time” series completion is critical to maximize efficacy against HPV cancers. Unfortunately, less than 30% of 13-year-olds in Maine have completed the HPV vaccine series. This leaves most of that age group unprotected from future HPV cancers.

This is why we need your help.

As a health care provider, your recommendation plays a crucial role in encouraging parents and guardians to vaccinate their children with the HPV vaccine. Evidence shows a provider’s recommendation is among the most persuasive reasons parents choose to vaccinate their children.

The latest research indicates starting the HPV vaccination series at age 9 can increase the percentage of patients that are up to date by age 13. In alignment with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Cancer Society, and the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable also endorse starting the series at age 9.

Other reasons to start the HPV vaccine series at age 9 include:

• Provides more time for completion of the series.
• Decreases concerns about the vaccine increasing sexual activity.
• Decreases requests for only the “school-required vaccines.”
• Increases the likelihood of full vaccination before first HPV exposure.
• Is highly acceptable to systems, providers, and parents.

Nationally, 50% of pediatricians recommend the first dose at age 9 and at least 1 in 5 pediatricians are already administering the first dose at age 9. We encourage you to consider beginning the vaccine series at age 9 to improve vaccination rates and protect the health of young Mainers.

Learn more about starting HPV vaccination at nine at: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/immunization/start-at-nine.shtml