Since 2014, Public Health–Seattle & King County has been partnering with local school-based health centers (SBHCs) and student champions to promote vaccination against the cancer-causing Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US with nearly 14 million people each year being newly infected.
HPV can cause cancers of the cervix, vulva, and vagina in females; cancer of the penis in males; and cancer of the mouth, throat, and anus in males and females. The HPV vaccine is cancer prevention and can be given to people age 9-26. Watch the video below to learn about the incredible work these local youth champions have done at their schools to raise awareness of HPV and connect their peers to vaccination services at their SBHCs.
This project was funded by the Group Health Foundation Momentum Fund.
Many thanks to the students, staff, health care agencies, and schools that have supported and continue to support this ongoing work.