Governor Scott Walker has proclaimed January “Cervical Cancer Awareness Month” in Wisconsin. A recent survey found many of Wisconsin’s teens are not fully protected against the human papilloma virus because they have not completed the HPV vaccine series. The virus can lead to reproductive cancer for young women and men.
Surveys found 62 percent of 13-17 year olds in Wisconsin have started the HPV vaccine series, but only 46 percent have completed it. Stephanie Schauer is Immunization Program Manager for the Wisconsin Division of Public Health...
"....this is important because it prevents infections that can cause cancer. That's the important message we're trying to get out. Cancer is preventable. This is something all 11 and 12 year olds should be receiving along with their routine vaccinations such as the pertussis vaccine...."
Parents and caregivers can find out which vaccinations their child needs and at what age on the Wisconsin Immunization Program web page. They can also keep track of the shots their children have had, and shots they may still need through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.
To help protect against HPV throughout life, women ages 45 to 64 who qualify for the Wisconsin Well Woman Program can get free cervical cancer screenings.
A link ishere.
