Department of Public Health, Prisma Health and MUSC unite to enhance vaccine awareness – wpde.com

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) The South Carolina Department of Public Health held a press conference for Immunization Awareness Month on Monday.

The press conference occurred at 10 a.m. in the Warren Derrick Classroom at Prisma Health Children's Hospital-Midlands.

The press conference focused on the importance of immunizations that protect people of all ages from different diseases and certain types of cancer.

It accompanies National Immunization Month, which is celebrated annually toraise awareness about the importance of vaccinations and encourage people to talk to healthcare providers about staying up to date on their vaccinations.

Vaccines are safe and effective at preventing life-threatening diseases in children and adults.

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This years event focused on HPV vaccination, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends for all 11- to 12-year-olds.

The HPV vaccine has the potential to prevent more than 90% of HPV-attributable cancers, which is why children must get vaccinated for HPV.

HPV causes more than 9 out of every 10 cases of cervical cancer, as well as many vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal and oropharynx (mouth and throat) cancers.

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South Carolina has increased HPV vaccination coverage in recent years, but coverage remains lower than the national average.

In South Carolina, 70% of 13-17-year-olds have received one dose of the HPV vaccine, compared to 76% across the nation. 54% of South Carolinians aged 13-17 are up-to-date with HPV vaccination compared to 63% of children in the US.

Children who get the vaccine before 15 only need two doses. After turning 15, three doses are needed.

DPH announced that the Medical University of South Carolina's (MUSC) Hollings HPV Vaccination Van was selected by DPH and the S.C. Immunization Coalition as the Association of Immunization Managers 2024 South Carolina Immunization Champion Award during Monday's event.

The vaccination vantravels across South Carolina to make HPV vaccinations accessible to rural and medically underserved communities.

As important as vaccines are for children, adults benefit from vaccines as well.Keeping up-to-date with vaccines for shingles, pneumococcal pneumonia, mpox, flu, COVID-19, RSV and others can also protect your health and those around you.

Talk to your health care provider or your childs pediatrician to stay up to date on shots.

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Department of Public Health, Prisma Health and MUSC unite to enhance vaccine awareness - wpde.com