HPV Awareness-Free Immunizations Available

There are more than 40 types of Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV) that can infect males and females. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. and most people who become infected with HPV do not know they have it; therefore they may give it to a partner without knowing it.

About 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV and 14 million people become newly infected each year. Most people never develop symptoms or health problems and 9 out of 10 infections go away by themselves within two years. But sometimes HPV infections persist and cause health problems such as genital warts, cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, anal cancer, vulvar and vaginal cancer, and penile cancer. Every year there are approximately 17,500 women and 9,300 men affected by cancers which are caused by HPV.

There is protection against HPV in the form of a vaccine. All females who are 11-26 or males who are 11-21 can get a three dose series of HPV vaccines. Since the vaccines were first recommended in 2006 there has been a 56 percent reduction in HPV infections among teen girls in the U.S. Research also shows that less teens are getting genital warts.

One hundred doses of the HPV vaccine will be available for FREE on 4/18/15 to current Darke County 6th graders. The vaccines will be provided by the Darke County General Health District along with the required Tdap vaccine for 7th grade entrance. There are 300 doses of Tdap available. This is a onetime offering with vaccines provided by the Ohio Department of Health.

What: Tdap and HPV vaccines

When: April 18th, 8-12:30 (while supplies last)

Where: Spirit Medical Transport

5484 Ohio 49

Greenville, Ohio

Cost: FREE

For: All current Darke County 6th graders

If you have questions please call Darke County General Health District (937) 548-4196 x224
Please note that Medicaid does not typically cover HPV vaccines, so if your coverage is Medicaid this is a great opportunity to receive the vaccine for free.