Overview

• VCU Massey joined more than 60 NCI-designated cancer centers, the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, and national organizations such as the American Cancer Society and ASCO in endorsing a coordinated statement.
• Recent National Immunization Survey–Teen data show no gains in HPV vaccination in recent years, prompting an urgent appeal to improve coverage.
• The vaccine is described as safe and effective at preventing infections that cause oropharyngeal, cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers.
• The statement cites about 80 million Americans living with HPV and more than 40,000 HPV-related cancer diagnoses expected this year, with teen coverage lagging other recommended vaccines.
• Health systems are urged to identify and contact parents of age-eligible children to start and complete vaccination, parents are asked to vaccinate children at ages 9–12, and the outreach aligns with back-to-school season and Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.