March 25, 2026
Media Contact: RaShel Charles, Rashel.Charles@vdh.virginia.gov
Crater Health Department Urges Virginians to Get Informed and Vaccinated
March is National HPV Awareness Month
PETERSBURG, Va — This month, the Crater Health Department (CHD) highlights the importance of preventing Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers and diseases through screening, vaccination, and education.
HPV is spread through close and intimate skin-to-skin contact. Roughly 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime, affecting millions of Americans each year. The HPV virus can cause cervical, throat, anal, and other cancers, but the HPV vaccine is a safe and effective tool to prevent these health issues.
“Human papillomavirus is one of the most common infections, yet it is also one of the most preventable. The HPV vaccination is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent certain HPV-related cancers,” said Crater District Health Director, Dr. Alton Hart, Jr. “During HPV Awareness Month, we encourage families to talk to their healthcare providers and take action to protect themselves and their children.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends HPV vaccination for boys and girls starting at ages 11 to 12. Vaccination can be administered as early as age nine and through age 26 for those who did not get vaccinated earlier. Some adults age 27 and older may choose to get vaccinated, in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Screening for HPV is another safe and effective tool for preventing HPV-related cancer; however, it is not available for all cancers caused by HPV.
- Women should start getting screened for cervical cancer at age 21. Screening can include HPV and/or Pap
- A healthcare provider can help determine which screening test is best and how often a woman should get screened.
- Eligible women can get free screenings through the Every Woman’s Life Program.
CHD asks all Virginians to:
- Talk to your healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine for yourself or your children.
- Schedule an appointment for HPV vaccination if you or your child is eligible and have not yet received it. The HPV vaccine is available for free through the Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) program for eligible children ages nine to 18 years old.
- Share information about HPV prevention with family, friends, and your community.
Together, we can make HPV-related cancers a thing of the past. Vaccination is a step toward cancer prevention.
For more information about HPV, the vaccine, contact your Crater Health Department at 804-863-1652 or visit Crater Health District.
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