An HPV vaccination awareness program led by Dr. Julie DeCesare, OB/GYN residency program director for Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola, has received national recognition from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
The state of Florida ranks 49th in the nation for its rate of vaccinations against HPV. Health experts recommend all children should receive the HPV vaccine at 11 or 12 years of age to help protect from various types of cancer, including anal cancer in both boys and girls and cervical cancer, vulvar cancer and vaginal cancer in girls. The vaccine is given as a series of three shots over six months.
“With one vaccine, we have the power to protect our children from multiple forms of cancer,†said Dr. DeCesare, who also serves as a clinical associate professor for the Florida State University College of Medicine. “For example, cervical cancer is almost completely treatable and preventable, but it claims the lives of more than 300 women in Florida every year. By increasing education and improving vaccination rates, I hope we can truly make a difference and reduce suffering in communities across the state.â€
As the chair of the Healthcare for Underserved Women Committee for ACOG District XII (Florida), Dr. DeCesare spearheaded a project to increase statewide awareness and to improve the low rates of HPV vaccination. The team created promotional materials – such as pamphlets, presentations and posters – to distribute through OB/GYN offices. These efforts, as well as those to educate state legislators, earned Dr. DeCesare’s team the Service Recognition Award from ACOG’s Council of District Chairs.
HPV, which includes human papillomavirus and more than 150 related viruses, is the most common sexually transmitted infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most HPV infections go away by themselves within two years of contraction. But of the more than 150 different types of HPV, 13 lead to a high risk of contracting cervical cancer, particularly if left untreated. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV.
Sacred Heart Hospital’s OB/GYN residency program works in conjunction with Florida State University’s College of Medicine. For this project to promote HPV education and vaccinations, Dr. DeCesare led a team of FSU medical students and residents – including Dr. Jessica Jackson, Dr. Lindsey McAlpin, Dr. Blakele Bakker, Dr. Geami Britt and Dr. Ryan Brosch.