The Virginia HPV Immunization Task Force (VHIT) is focused on increasing HPV vaccination rates in Virginia. Task Force members include clinicians, public health professionals, school employees and members of health care systems and non-profit organizations.
Objectives
- Facilitate partnerships across Virginia to enhance shared knowledge and best practices to increase HPV vaccination rates.
- Decrease disparities in HPV vaccination.
- Provide education to physicians, other healthcare providers, school officials, and the public about current national HPV vaccination guidelines.
- Increase awareness of the burden of HPV-related cancers in men and women.
Virginia Cancer Plan & HPV Vaccination
This document provides information on the Virginia Cancer Plan and our efforts to increase HPV vaccination rates across Virginia.
Quarterly Meetings
VHIT hosts quarterly meetings. The 2026 meeting dates are: January 8, April 9, July 9 and October 8 at 10:00 am.
VHIT Co-Chairs
- Amanda Baig
- Andrea Mendes
VHIT Action Plan 2023-2027
The VHIT Action Plan aims to provide a roadmap of priorities and strategies as we work to increase HPV immunization as identified in the Virginia Cancer Plan throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Action Plan Goals
- Decrease Community Disparities in HPV Vaccination
- Improve Delivery of Evidence-Based Strategies in Providing HPV Vaccine
- Increase/Compile HPV Data Quality and Sharing
- Increase Awareness of the Burden of HPV-Related Cancers in Men and Women
VHIT Resources
World HPV Day (March 4) Letter to Virginia Healthcare Providers
A letter sharing updated HPV vaccine recommendations with Virginia healthcare providers in partnership with AAP Virginia Chapter, VDH, ImmunizeVA, and other partners.
Optional images you can share on social media to commemorate the day.
Announcement Approach Tool for Increasing HPV Vaccination
A useful tool to help effectively recommend the HPV vaccination. The flyer is tailored specifically for Virginia. An additional resource is from Immunize.org: Suggestions to Improve Your Immunization Services.
HPV Dental Toolkit
The American Academy of Dentists (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) both recognize the critical role dental providers have in preventing HPV. In 2017, the AAPD released a statement encouraging oral health providers to educate patients and guardians on the relationship between HPV and oral cancer, as well as counsel patients and guardians on the HPV vaccine.
​VHIT is now offering provider education to dental offices through the HPV Dental Toolkit. The toolkit is free of charge and is available in English and Spanish. The toolkit includes the following material:
Provider Materials
Information for the provider (dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental office staff) including a guide on how to use the patient resources, talking tips for various audiences, and research and policy information on the role of dental providers in cancer control and prevention.
Patient Materials
Information for the patient includes an informational brochure about HPV and the vaccine, office posters about HPV and the vaccine in two sizes, and a prescription pad for use in recommending the HPV vaccine.
Want the HPV Dental Toolkit? Complete this form and the downloadable toolkit will be sent to you.
CACV received funding support from a Virginia Health Catalyst Micro-Grant funded through the VDH Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant to develop the HPV Dental Toolkit.
Interested in learning more or joining VHIT?
Contact us at hpv-va@cancercoalitionofvirginia.org.
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