Opinion: Learning about HPV is vital for Iowa children’s health
As the executive director of EyesOpenIowa, an adolescent health organization, I am concerned about the recent signing of Senate File 496, which eliminates the state mandate for public schools to provide education about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine for young people. While it does not prohibit schools from teaching this vital information, the fact that it is no longer a requirement is a significant setback in our efforts to educate and protect our young people.
With the removal of the requirement for schools to teach about HPV, it is imperative for schools to continue providing HPV prevention education. By educating students about HPV prevention, including safe sex practices for when they are ready, and emphasizing the opportunity to receive the HPV vaccine, we can actively promote the health and safety of our youth.
HPV is a common virus that can cause cancer later in life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 42 million people are currently infected with HPV in the United States, and 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 early detection screenings for cervical cancer, there is no recommended screening for the other cancers caused by HPV infection, like cancers of the back of the throat, anus, penis, vagina or vulva. As stated in the 2023 Cancer in Iowa report by the Iowa Cancer Registry, Iowa has the second-highest incidence rate for cancer in the U.S., and is the only state with an increasing rate of cancer. This includes being first in the nation for oral cavity and pharynx, which can be caused by HPV.
HPV vaccination provides safe, effective and lasting protection against HPV infections that most commonly cause cancer. The HPV vaccine entails a series of either two or three doses, depending on the age at initial vaccination, ensuring comprehensive protection against the virus and its potential risks. The HPV vaccine is ideally administered to children between the ages of 11 and 12, but it can be initiated as early as 9. Our organization acknowledges and understands the hesitation and uneasiness that parents may experience when it comes to addressing potential sexual health concerns children may encounter in the future. However, fostering a prevention-oriented mindset is essential for ensuring optimal health outcomes for children.
The organization where I am executive director, EyesOpenIowa, strongly advocates for a comprehensive approach to combating HPV, recognizing the significance of the HPV vaccine as a crucial tool in preventing the spread of the virus and a life-threatening cancer diagnosis for the child in adulthood. We encourage parents to talk to their child’s health care provider to learn more about the vaccine and to make a plan to help protect their child from HPV.
Let us remember that protecting our youth from HPV is a collective responsibility, involving parents, schools, health care providers and community organizations. By coming together and fostering a united front, we can ensure that every child receives the protection they deserve against HPV and its potential consequences.
Kristin Fairholm is executive director of EyesOpenIowa, which provides comprehensive sex education and support to empower young individuals and promote positive reproductive health outcomes.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Opinion: HPV education is vital for Iowa children’s health
