For Cervical Health Awareness Month, we’d like to talk about human papillomavirus (HPV) and it’s connection to cervical cancer. More than 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and over 80% of these cases are caused by HPV, a vaccine-preventable disease spread from person to person through genital contact.
There is a vaccine available that protects against the most common cancer-causing strains of HPV. It also protects against other reproductive system cancers and genital warts. The vaccine is given in two doses at age 11-12, or three doses for teens and adults up to age 26.
Jefferson County Health Department participates in state and federal programs that provide free or low-cost cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations to those who meet age, income, and health insurance guidelines. If you do not have health insurance or your insurance does not cover these services, please call us at 304-728-8416 to schedule an appointment.
Click here for more information from the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, and please feel free to share their flyer below:
January Cervical Health Awareness Month Flyer
