by Nora Henrikson, PhD, MPH, Research Associate, Group Health Research Institute
Most parents of preteens I know are eager to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for their sons and daughters once they learn about it. A vaccine that can prevent cancer later in life? I certainly want that for my own kids.
The trouble is, not enough parents know about the vaccine or about how common HPV infection is by adulthood. Once they do, finding time in their kids’ busy lives for the three shots needed for full protection can be a real challenge.
That’s why our group at Group Health Research Institute is working with Group Health’s Immunization Team on an HPV vaccine quality-improvement project. With funding from the Group Health Foundation, we’re testing ways to help more Group Health families talk with their doctors and hopefully get the first shot—then help them remember to return two more times in six months for the other doses.
It’s been a great project on many levels:
To help you understand the HPV vaccine, Group Health Research Institute is teaming up with the Group Health Immunization Team to answer frequently asked questions and suggest helpful resources.
Read about it in Live Healthy.
Who would have ever thought getting vaccinated could sound so fun?
(Vimeo, :41)