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Dear Provider,
Did you know that Washington state is down 13% overall in number of vaccines administered compared to pre-pandemic? The National HPV Roundtable research shows it may take 10 years to catch up on cancer preventing HPV immunizations. As we approach the busy back-to-school months of sports physicals and well-care visits the WA HPV Taskforce would like to give you some tools to help increase your HPV vaccination rates. Over 50% of HPV and adolescent vaccines are given in July to October. Being prepared for those months is key to protecting your patients from HPV related cancers and other vaccine preventable diseases.
1. Start recommending HPV vaccine at ages 9 and 10
According to the ACIP, HPV can be started at age 9 and doing so leads to higher rates of cancer prevention and finishing the series by age 11-12. There is a FREE CME on HPV at 9 for the month of June only. Click here to register and watch the webinar on demand. These are shorter CME created by Utah Cancer Institute. Take the time to learn why this is so important!
2. Standardize your vaccine schedule AND post it in the lobby and every exam room.
This is important so that all providers are using the same schedule, no matter which provider they see. A schedule on the wall gives parents something to read while they are waiting and adds legitimacy to your recommendations. Don’t have time to make a branded schedule right now? You can order free 8x10 and poster size ones from the WA HPV Taskforce and add your branding to it. Free and easy.
3. Make a strong recommendation every time AND don’t miss any opportunities to vaccinate.
Research shows that a strong presumptive recommendation is one of the best tools to increase immunizations.
“Today you are due for one vaccine that will protect against HPV related cancer – any questions?”
“Yes! I recommend the HPV vaccine for cancer prevention – this vaccine prevents over 30,000 cases of cancer every year.”
Make sure to check immunization status on EVERY visit – don’t miss the opportunity to vaccinate.
4. Prepare the office and staff for the rush of back-to-school vaccine requests.
Consider having some “vaccine only” nurse visit days to accommodate the back-to-school rush in August. Schedule more staff for back-to-school days on weekend or evenings. Stock up on needed vaccines as volume will increase.
We appreciate all your hard work to care for patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. We know you are short-staffed and working long hours. These strategies will actually make it EASIER for your staff while improving your immunization rates. Thanks for all you do! Remember HPV vaccination is Cancer Prevention.
Sincerely,
WA HPV Taskforce
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