St. Jude's Rural HPV Vaccination Think Tank Boosts Cancer Prevention with Shirley E. Borghi

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is assembling a multidisciplinary team of professionals for the Rural HPV Vaccination Think Tank Committee 2023, seeking to improve HPV vaccination rates and prevent cancer. Among the experts is Shirley E. “Bella” Borghi, Executive Director of the Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia (HHCGA), who brings extensive experience in advancing health policies and improving access to services for Hispanic/Latino populations.

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Key Takeaways

• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has formed the Rural HPV Vaccination Think Tank Committee 2023 to improve HPV vaccination rates and prevent cancer.
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• Shirley E. Borghi, Executive Director of HHCGA, joins the committee, providing valuable expertise in health policies and Hispanic/Latino community outreach.

• HPV vaccination rates in the US remain below the Healthy People 2030 goal of 80%.
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• The policy report by FTI Consulting highlights the need for a combination of existing and new policies to address factors related to HPV vaccination rates.
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• The Rural HPV Vaccination Think Tank Committee 2023 plays a pivotal role in addressing challenges related to awareness, access, and acceptance of the HPV vaccine, particularly in rural communities.

Background on HPV and St. Jude's Cancer Prevention Program

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus affecting both men and women, leading to six types of cancer. Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, HPV vaccination rates in the United States continue to fall short of the Healthy People 2030 goal of 80%. To address this issue, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital established the HPV Cancer Prevention Program in 2021, aiming to reduce HPV-associated cancer deaths by increasing vaccination rates. As the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated solely to children, St. Jude plays a crucial role in advancing HPV vaccination efforts locally, regionally, and nationally.

Role of Shirley E. Borghi in the Think Tank

Shirley E. Borghi's involvement in the Rural HPV Vaccination Think Tank Committee 2023 is a significant asset, given her background as Executive Director of HHCGA. Her expertise in policy, advocacy, and subject matter knowledge will contribute to to the Think Tank's mission of sharing successes, challenges, and new ideas in rural communities to improve HPV vaccination coverage. The first meeting of the committee is set for March 2023.

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Findings of the Policy Report

In partnership with FTI Consulting, the HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital recently released a policy report examining factors driving HPV vaccination coverage across the US. The report suggests that expanding existing training and educational programs, as well as leveraging cancer specialists as messengers, can improve providers' understanding of the HPV vaccine as a cancer prevention tool. This, in turn, can help address parental and caregiver hesitancy surrounding multiple vaccinations recommended during the well-child visit at 11 years of age.

FTI Consulting's analysis examined the relationship between HPV vaccination initiation and series completion, considering nine factors, such as:

• Medicaid expansion
• Insurance coverage
• Parents' educational level
• Access to pediatricians
• Primary care physicians
• Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers
• Coverage of other adolescent vaccinations
• Vaccination exemptions
• Vaccination requirements
• Rurality
  
  

Policy Recommendations

The policy recommendations derived from the analysis identify factors positively related to HPV vaccination that could be leveraged to increase coverage. Policymakers, interest groups, and health systems should consider a mix of existing and new policies to significantly improve HPV vaccination initiation and series completion.

Importance of the Rural HPV Vaccination Think Tank Committee 2023

HPV vaccination rates remain below the Healthy People 2030 goal of 80%, highlighting the urgency to improve awareness, access, and acceptance of the vaccine. The Rural HPV Vaccination Think Tank Committee 2023 plays a vital role in addressing these issues, particularly in rural communities where vaccination rates are often lower.

Latest Statistics and Trends

Approximately 13 million Americans are infected with HPV yearly, and over 37,000 individuals will develop HPV-related cancers. Despite the existence of a safe and effective vaccine, HPV vaccination rates in the US continue to lag behind the national goal.

‍A Shift in Regulatory Requirements

The analysis conducted by FTI Consulting highlights the need for a combination of existing and new policies to improve HPV vaccination rates. These policies should target factors positively related to vaccination rates, such as Medicaid expansion, insurance coverage, and access to pediatricians, primary care physicians, and VFC providers.

Recent Developments

The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program has launched a public awareness campaign, "Path to a Bright Future," to spotlight the benefits of on-time HPV vaccination for children ages 9-12. The campaign aims to elevate awareness of the dangers of HPV pre-cancers and cancers and improve on-time HPV vaccination rates.

New Challenges

One of the primary challenges in increasing HPV vaccination rates is addressing parental and caregiver hesitancy. It is essential to provide consistent messaging at every healthcare provider's office touchpoint and when seeking care. In addition, emphasis should be placed on provider and practice training to initiate the vaccination series as a cancer prevention method at 9 years of age, ensuring series completion by 13 years of age.

The Critical Role of the Rural HPV Vaccination Think Tank Committee

The Rural HPV Vaccination Think Tank Committee 2023 plays a pivotal role in identifying opportunities and priorities for increasing HPV vaccination, implementing and evaluating evidence-based healthcare, community, and policy and advocacy activities, and engaging partners and strengthening partnerships with local, regional, and national groups.

Call-to-Action

To combat the rising incidence of HPV cancers, it is crucial to get vaccinated against HPV if you or your child is in the recommended age range, encourage others to get vaccinated, and share the facts about the safety, efficacy, and durability of the HPV vaccination.

In conclusion, the Rural HPV Vaccination Think Tank Committee 2023 aims to significantly impact HPV vaccination rates, particularly in rural communities that are often lower. By addressing the challenges related to awareness, access, and acceptance of the HPV vaccine, the committee strives to reduce the incidence of HPV cancers and contribute to a brighter, healthier future. With the involvement of experts like Shirley E. Borghi and the dedication of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, progress in cancer prevention is within reach.

‍FAQ's

Q: What is the goal of St. Jude's Rural HPV Vaccination Think Tank Committee 2023?

A: The goal of St. Jude's Rural HPV Vaccination Think Tank Committee 2023 is to improve HPV vaccination rates and prevent cancer, particularly in rural communities where vaccination rates are often lower. The committee brings together a multidisciplinary team of professionals to share successes, challenges, and new ideas in rural communities to improve HPV vaccination coverage.

Q: Who are some notable members of the Rural HPV Vaccination Think Tank Committee 2023?

A: Some notable members include Shirley Borghi (HHCGA Executive Director & Vice Chairman), Amy Baldwin (Professor of Microbiology, University of Georgia), Ryan Baltic (The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center), Debra Friedman (Vanderbilt University), and Jennifer Moss (Penn State College of Medicine). The full list of members is provided in the article's table.

Q: What are the latest statistics and trends regarding HPV vaccination rates in the United States?

A: Approximately 13 million Americans are infected with HPV yearly, and over 37,000 individuals will develop HPV-related cancers. Despite the existence of a safe and effective vaccine, HPV vaccination rates in the US continue to fall short of the Healthy People 2030 goal of 80%.

Q: How does St. Jude's Cancer Prevention Program aim to increase HPV vaccination rates and prevent cancer?

A: St. Jude's Cancer Prevention Program aims to reduce HPV-associated cancer deaths by increasing vaccination rates. The program has launched a public awareness campaign called "Path to a Bright Future," which highlights the benefits of on-time HPV vaccination for children ages 9-12 and aims to improve on-time HPV vaccination rates.

Q: What are the key findings of the policy report released by the HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in partnership with FTI Consulting?

A: The policy report suggests that expanding existing training and educational programs, as well as leveraging cancer specialists as messengers, can improve providers' understanding of the HPV vaccine as a cancer prevention tool. This, in turn, can help address parental and caregiver hesitancy surrounding multiple vaccinations recommended during the well-child visit at 11 years of age.

Q: What are some of the policy recommendations suggested to improve HPV vaccination rates in the US?

A: Policymakers, interest groups, and health systems should consider a mix of existing and new policies to significantly improve HPV vaccination initiation and series completion. Some recommendations include targeting factors positively related to vaccination rates, such as Medicaid expansion, insurance coverage, and access to pediatricians, primary care physicians, and Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers.

Q: What is the importance of the Rural HPV Vaccination Think Tank Committee 2023 in addressing the challenges related to HPV vaccination rates, particularly in rural communities?

A: The Rural HPV Vaccination Think Tank Committee 2023 plays a vital role in addressing issues related to awareness, access, and acceptance of the HPV vaccine, particularly in rural communities where vaccination rates are often lower. The committee works to identify opportunities and priorities for increasing HPV vaccination and engaging partners and strengthening partnerships with local, regional, and national groups.

Q: What recent developments have been made to improve awareness and access to the HPV vaccine?

A: St. Jude's HPV Cancer Prevention Program has launched the "Path to a Bright Future" campaign, which aims to spotlight the benefits of on-time HPV vaccination for children ages 9-12. The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the dangers of HPV pre-cancers and cancers and improve on-time HPV vaccination rates.

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Q: What are the main challenges in increasing HPV vaccination rates?

A: One of the primary challenges in increasing HPV vaccination rates is addressing parental and caregiver hesitancy. Providing consistent messaging at healthcare provider touchpoints and during care is essential. Additionally, emphasis should be placed on provider and practice training to initiate the vaccination series as a cancer prevention method at 9 years of age, ensuring series completion by 13 years of age.

Q: How can individuals contribute to the fight against HPV-related cancers?

A: Individuals can contribute to the fight against HPV-related cancers by getting vaccinated against HPV if they or their child is in the recommended age range, encouraging others to get vaccinated, and sharing the facts about the safety, efficacy, and durability of the HPV vaccination.

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Source Description

St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program

Official program information, goals, and activities

FTI Consulting

Analysis of public policy decisions and factors driving HPV vaccination coverage in the US

Healthy People 2030

National goals for HPV vaccination rates

Shirley E. "Bella" Borghi

Executive Director & Co-Vice Chairman of the Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia (HHCGA)

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