Expanding HPV vaccine counseling in gynecologic oncology
In early 2025, Salem Health's Gynecologic Oncology team identified a significant community gap: Many patients receiving treatment for human papillomavirus‑related dysplasia had never been counseled about the HPV vaccine.
HPV, a common viral infection linked to anogenital and head-and-neck cancers, affects an estimated 14 million Americans annually, with more than 85% of men and women acquiring the virus at some point in their lives. HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone ages 9 to 25, and people older than 26 are recommended to discuss vaccination with their primary care or OBGYN providers. Because vaccination can prevent roughly 90% of HPV‑related cancers, the clinic began offering vaccine counseling and administering first doses during patient visits.
Through collaboration with Salem Health Midwives and OBGYN, this initiative quickly showed impact. By June, 92% of eligible gynecologic oncology patients had received HPV vaccine counseling.