March 9, 2026
Media Contact: Dr Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department Urges Virginians to Get Informed and Vaccinated
March is National HPV Awareness Month.
WARRENTON, Va. — This month, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department 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.
“During National HPV Awareness Month, we encourage everyone in our community to get informed about HPV and the cancers it can cause,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect our children and ourselves. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District urges families to talk with their healthcare provider and stay up to date on recommended vaccinations.”
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.
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department 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 the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department at www.rrhd.org.
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