March 4th is International HPV Awareness Day, a global reminder of our collective responsibility to protect patients from human papillomavirus (HPV) and the cancers it can cause. As a physician buying group supporting pediatric and family practices across the country, CPP is committed to providing tools and programs that help practices strengthen their immunization strategies, especially when it comes to vaccines that require multiple doses to complete the series.
Why HPV Vaccination Matters
The HPV vaccine is proven, safe, and highly effective, reducing the risk of HPV-related cancers by up to 90%. But for the vaccine to provide full protection, patients must receive all recommended doses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the HPV vaccine be given to girls and boys between ages 11 and 12. It can also be given as early as 9 years old.
Dr. Rebekah Fenton discusses the benefits of immunizing earlier:
- The vaccine is more effective if given sooner. This is partly because preteens produce more antibodies after HPV vaccination than older adolescents do. The vaccine just works better with their immune system.
- Giving the vaccine earlier also means they can be protected well before they are exposed to the virus.
The Challenge: Second Dose Completion
Many practices do an excellent job initiating the HPV vaccine series. However, nationally, second dose completion rates still lag behind first dose initiation. Missed second doses often occur because of scheduling gaps, lack of recall systems, or competing priorities during well visits.
Improving these completion rates is one of the most impactful actions a practice can take to prevent HPV-related cancers.
CPP’s Second Dose Program: Supporting Series Completion
CPP’s Second Dose Program is designed to help practices:
- Assess their current second dose immunization rates
- Identify gaps in workflow or patient follow-up
- Implement strategies that encourage families to return for the full series
- Improve protection for patients by increasing vaccine completion
By reviewing series completion rates for vaccines that require more than one dose, including the HPV vaccine, practices can gain clear insights into where targeted action will strengthen outcomes.
Participating practices benefit from structured guidance and the opportunity to track their progress over time.
Our Commitment
At CPP, we believe every practice large or small, can improve vaccination outcomes with the right support. On International HPV Awareness Day, we’re proud to stand alongside our members in strengthening cancer prevention through complete vaccination series.
If your practice is interested in learning more about the CPP Second Dose Program or exploring additional resources, we’re here to help. Together, we can make meaningful strides toward protecting the long-term health of the patients you serve.
