The back-to-school check-up you don’t want to miss

Amid COVID-19 quarantining and social distancing, countless children have missed routine check-ups, which has many doctors and public health officials concerned for the future. Vaccines can protect children from several diseases and viruses; one of them is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can cause cancer later in life. HPV can cause at least six types of cancer and is linked to almost all cases of cervical and anal cancers. The HPV vaccine can prevent HPV infection and protect the next generation. It is recommended for all children 11-12 years old and is delivered in two doses over a 6-12 month period (three doses for ages 15 and up). This is one of few vaccines that can ultimately prevent cancer. If your child missed a dose due to COVID-19 closures, take the time this summer to catch them up. In some states and territories (Rhode Island, Virginia, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia) the vaccine is required for children to attend school, but if it’s not required in your state, we urge you to make it part of your back-to-school checklist. If your child is within the recommended vaccination age but hasn’t been vaccinated yet, now is a good time to start. Make a check-up with your child’s doctor part of back-to-school planning and ask them about the HPV vaccine. Whether school is virtual or in-person this fall, it could be the most important thing you do this back-to-school season.