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Human Papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus affecting nearly 80 million people (including teens) in the U.S. The HPV vaccine helps protect against the most common strains of the virus, including those that cause cancer. Although the efficacy of the vaccine has been proven, the uptake of the vaccine is suboptimal among adolescents and young adults in the U.S. and in Utah. Although there have been great strides to improve HPV vaccination rates in Utah, there is still work to be done. UCAN supports partners who are working to improve vaccination rates in the state.


Strategy AIncrease community awareness and support of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

Who is addressing this strategy and how is UCAN partnering?
-Intermountain West HPV Vaccination Coalition: A group of immunization meets on a regular basis to discuss strategies to improve HPV vaccination rates. Members represent cancer control, pediatric, and primary care specialists as well as parents, and community members

-Utah Department of Health: Provides education, including media, to the public and healthcare providers regarding the HPV vaccine and ways to increase HPV vaccination rates.

UCAN supports efforts made by all organizations working to increasing HPV vaccination rates in Utah

  • Educate parents, community members, and healthcare providers about ACIP recommendations for the HPV vaccine.
  • Create public awareness campaigns targeted at parents of adolescents, young adults, and populations at high risk for HPV infection and cervical cancer.
  • Partner with local organizations to increase awareness of the benefits, safety, and efficacy of the HPV vaccine.


Strategy B:

Who is addressing this strategy and how is UCAN partnering?
-Intermountain West HPV Vaccination Coalition: A group of immunization meets on a regular basis to discuss strategies to improve HPV vaccination rates. Members represent cancer control, pediatric, and primary care specialists as well as parents, and community members

-Utah Department of Health: The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program provides free vaccine to underserved populations.

  • Educate uninsured and underinsured populations on financial assistance programs available for the HPV vaccine (e.g., VFC).
  • Support Utah’s VFC Program to increase the number of healthcare providers who participate and administer the HPV vaccine.
  • Advocate for insurance coverage of the HPV vaccine according to ACIP recommendations.
  • Increase awareness and referral to Utah’s VFC Program among vulnerable populations.

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Who is addressing this strategy and how is UCAN partnering?
-Intermountain West HPV Vaccination Coalition: A group of immunization meets on a regular basis to discuss strategies to improve HPV vaccination rates. Members represent cancer control, pediatric, and primary care specialists as well as parents, and community members

-Utah Department of Health: Provides education to healthcare providers regarding the HPV vaccine and ways to increase HPV vaccination rates.

  • Increase the number of providers who report the administration of the HPV vaccine in the Utah Statewide Immunization Information System (USIIS) to ensure the accuracy of patients who are eligible to receive the vaccine.
  • Support the implementation of reminder systems in provider offices to increase the number of patients who complete the HPV vaccination series.
  • Support school-based clinics that offer the HPV vaccine.

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