BY CASEY FEDERMAN

Researchers Develop Campaign to Increase Use

of HPV Vaccine

Researchers Develop Campaign to Increase Use of HPV Vaccine

A financial professional in the Los Angeles area, Casey Federman presently serves as managing director of Martell Capital Group LLC (dba Irongate). Furthermore, Casey Federman fulfills the role of president of an LA-based nonprofit: Cancer Free Generation. 

Researchers Develop Campaign to Increase Use of HPV Vaccine

In recent years, public health officials and researchers at the University of Kentucky have noticed that residents of eastern and southeastern Kentucky suffer from high rates of cervical cancer mortality. The rates in these regions are 45 percent higher than anywhere else in the country. More disturbingly, numerous women and girls have access to the three-shot HPV vaccine Gardasil, which helps prevent cervical cancer, but few take advantage of it. Even when the women received vouchers for all three shots, only 45 percent came in for the first shot. Of those, only 14 percent took the second and 5 percent received the third. 

Researchers Develop Campaign to Increase Use of HPV Vaccine

In an effort to raise awareness about why women should protect themselves with the HPV vaccine, University of Kentucky professors Elisia Cohen and Robin C. Vanderpool developed a video for women to watch after receiving the first vaccine. The short film showcased local women who addressed frequent concerns about the vaccine and discussed personal incidences of cervical cancer affecting loved ones. Through this campaign, the researchers hope not only to increase the number of women who come in for the vaccine, but also to normalize the conversation surrounding reproductive health.