RENO, NEV. (August 24, 2018) – Immunize Nevada and the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Nevada State Immunization Program are pleased to announce the recently released 2017 National Immunization Survey (NIS-Teen) shows improvements, especially in human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization rates.

In the 2017 NIS-Teen Survey, coverage with one dose of the HPV vaccine increased among all adolescents nationwide by 5 percentage points compared to 2016; almost two-thirds of Nevada’s teens have initiated the vaccine series to protect them from HPV cancers. Additionally, coverage rates for Nevada’s adolescents are at or above the national average. Recently updated vaccination recommendations make it simpler for parents and healthcare professionals to prevent cancer. While the overall increases are impressive, almost half of all Nevada adolescents who received the HPV vaccine have not completed their HPV vaccine series.

Another report released also found that in 2015, roughly 43,000 men and women developed an HPV-associated cancer (i.e., cancer in the part of the body where HPV is often found). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV vaccination can prevent up to 90% of these cancers. Every year adolescents are not vaccinated is another year they are at risk of being exposed to cancer-causing infections.

“I am excited to see our progress towards preventing the devastating cancers caused by HPV. Partners across Nevada are instrumental in these successes,” said Shannon Bennett, Manager for the Nevada State Immunization Program. “Of course, there is always room for improvement, but we will continue to work with Immunize Nevada to educate parents, policy-makers, physicians, and healthcare professionals about the importance of the HPV vaccine and the adolescent platform.” 

Nevada also met the Healthy People 2020 targets for vaccination coverage levels of one dose of Tdap and one dose of MenACWY (vaccines to protect against the infections that cause whooping cough and meningitis). Coverage estimates for two doses of Varicella and two doses of MMR increased from 2016.

“These reports remind parents and clinicians to continue protecting preteens against cancers caused by HPV, ensuring healthy futures as they head towards young adulthood.” said Heidi Parker, Executive Director at Immunize Nevada. “Community outreach efforts, clinician education, and collaborative partnerships continue to grow as we strive to meet or exceed Healthy People 2020 goals, assist parents in completing the HPV vaccine series, and ensure an HPV Free Nevada.”
Additional NIS information is available at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-managers/nis/about.html. For more information about immunizations in Nevada visit www.immunizenevada.org or follow us on social media.

Immunize Nevada is widely recognized as Nevada’s trusted resource for immunizations and community health for all ages by fostering education and statewide collaboration. Healthy communities across Nevada protected from vaccine-preventable disease. For more information, visit ImmunizeNevada.org.