Missouri Immunization Coalition and the HPV Cancer Prevention Program of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are partnering to educate, promote, and raise awareness about the importance of receiving the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination at an early age as a way to prevent cancers caused by HPV as adults.

The partnership emphasizes collaboration to benefit Missourians by creating and implementing strategies to advocate for HPV immunizations and their impact.

“They are an extremely vital partner to promote the health, wellbeing, and cancer prevention for Missouri’s youth,” said Nicole Cope, Executive Director for Missouri Immunization Coalition. 

As part of the partnership, Missouri Immunization Coalition and the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program have launched their first mutual campaign, #PreventCancerTogether, which consists of a series of billboards that have been placed in high-traffic locations across Missouri. The placement of the advertisements was supported by the St Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program, while Missouri Immunization Coalition covered the creative side.

“We value our collaborative relationship with the Missouri Immunization Coalition and the opportunities it creates to increase HPV vaccination and prevent HPV cancers across the state of Missouri and beyond,” said Julia Neely, Program Coordinator for the HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude’s Research Hospital. 

Missouri Immunization Coalition has contributed to connecting the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program with task forces in Missouri that create and update educational campaigns for HPV prevention, such as Missouri HPV Workgroup. At the same time, Julia Neely, Program Coordinator for the HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is now a member of the Missouri Immunization Coalition.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the efficacy rate of HPV vaccination can prevent close to 100% of HPV infections that can cause cancer later in life. 

About Missouri Immunization Coalition

The Missouri Immunization Coalition (MIC) is Missouri’s only statewide, independent organization committed to keeping Missourians healthy through immunizations by elevating the essential role vaccinations play in reducing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and promoting health for all Missourians. 

Membership in the Coalition is free and open to physicians, nurses, pharmacists, public health professionals, business leaders, policymakers, and community organizations working to promote immunizations, prevent disease, and protect Missourians through immunization education, advocacy, promotion, and statewide collaborative partnerships. If you are interested in becoming a member, please fill out this form.

About the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program 

As the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated solely to children, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has an important role and responsibility in increasing HPV vaccination rates locally, regionally, and nationally. Unlike pediatric cancers, almost all HPV cancers can be prevented. St. Jude supports HPV vaccination of children to prevent cancer in adulthood. To learn more, go to Stjude.org/HPV

About Human Papillomavirus 

HPV is a widespread virus that can cause cancers later in life. Nearly 42 million people are currently infected with HPV in the United States. About 13 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year.

In the U.S., nearly 36,000 people are estimated to be affected by a cancer caused by HPV infection each year. While there is screening for cervical cancer that can detect cancer early, there is no recommended screening for the other cancers caused by HPV infection.

HPV vaccination provides safe, effective, and lasting protection against the HPV infections that most commonly cause cancer.

To learn more, go to CDC.gov