• Celebrating Five Years of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program
• Updates on the Current Vaccination Landscape
• Things Newer than HPV Vaccination: Zoom
• Today is HPV Awareness Day 2026
• March is Women's History Month
• Improving Rural HPV Vaccination Coverage
• Wide Open Spaces: Addressing HPV Vaccination and Cancer Prevention and Control through Data and Dialogue in the 99 Counties Project
• HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast
• Memphis and Shelby County HPV Cancer Prevention Roundtable

• Survivor Proud: Improving HPV Vaccination Coverage among Childhood Cancer Survivors

• Partners on the Path to Prevention

• Team Question: Reflections on Progress

• Get Free St. Jude HPV Education Materials

• About the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program

Celebrating Five Years of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program

March 4 is International HPV Awareness Day and also marks the five-year anniversary of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program. Our program resulted from the commitment of St. Jude leadership and researchers who acknowledged the importance of such a program. While we do not yet know how to prevent pediatric cancers, there is an opportunity to support a safe, effective, and long-lasting vaccine given to children to prevent six types of cancers developed as adults. Low HPV vaccination coverage exists in areas where HPV-associated disease burden is greatest – among the same people and areas of the U.S. where St. Jude is treating children with pediatric cancers. As the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated solely to children, St. Jude plays an important role and responsibility in increasing the number of children who benefit from the HPV vaccine and reducing their risk of preventable cancers later in life.

Our program envisions a world free of HPV cancers. We seek to realize this vision through mission-driven actions informed by the strongest scientific evidence and with dedicated people and partners who strengthen our work and further our program’s reach and impact to prevent HPV cancers. On the day of our official launch in 2021, we hosted the first seminar celebrating HPV Awareness Day. Check out the pre-recorded HPV Awareness Day Seminar Series for this year at stjude.org/HAD2026 to learn more about St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program initiatives and partnerships to promote HPV vaccination as cancer prevention.

Five years following the launch of our program, we remain committed to our program’s vision and mission to prevent HPV cancers. We are grateful to the many people and partners who have joined our efforts and welcomed us into theirs, fostering impactful collaborations. We know there is more to be done, and no matter the conditions, we will continue to work to protect children.

If you have information to share in upcoming newsletters, please email us at PreventHPV@stjude.org.

HPV vaccination is cancer prevention.

Heather M. Brandt, PhD

Senior Director, HPV Cancer Prevention Program

Updates on the Current Vaccination Landscape

This year, 2026, marks twenty years since HPV vaccination was made available in the U.S. The current HPV vaccination landscape reflects both major scientific progress and growing policy complexity. Scientific evidence continues to affirm the HPV vaccination’s strong safety and effectiveness with long‑term studies showing substantial reductions in HPV infections, pre-cancers, and HPV cancers, reinforcing the HPV vaccination as a cornerstone of cancer prevention. A recent study has shown durability of protection “with no indication of waning protection up to 18 years after vaccination.”

The ACIP is scheduled to meet later this month at which time the Secretary Kennedy constructed panel may consider implementation of the updated vaccine schedule released in January 2026. Unknowns can be challenging. But we know the importance of staying the course because HPV vaccination is cancer prevention. Differences in HPV vaccination coverage exist with much opportunity for improvement. There also is good news to share on HPV Awareness Day.

A new study from researchers at Emory University, accepted for publication by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, provides a state‑level analysis of cervical cancer trends in the 20 years since HPV vaccination became available in the U.S. The researchers examined cervical cancer incidence among women ages 20–31 in the pre‑vaccine era (2000–2005) and post‑vaccine era (2016–2021) using data from the U.S. Cancer Statistics Database and HPV vaccination rates from the National Immunization Survey–Teen.

In the U.S., cervical cancer incidence declined 27% from 5.1 to 3.7 cases per 100,000 women (ages 20-31), alongside 77.9% HPV vaccine coverage among girls (ages 13-17) in 2022. States and jurisdictions with the largest declines in cervical cancer incidence (>50%)—District of Columbia, Rhode Island, Michigan, and Hawaii—generally had high vaccination coverage. Three of these – District of Columbia, Rhode Island, and Hawaii – have school-entry requirements for HPV vaccination. Twenty-eight states saw declines in cervical cancer incidence (ages 20-31) between 15-50%. Five states (Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Vermont, and West Virginia) showed no significant progress, though Idaho and Vermont have relatively low case counts of cervical cancer.

Importantly, every 10% increase in vaccination coverage was linked with an almost 12% reduction in cervical cancer risk, even after adjusting for cervical cancer screening. This means cervical cancer rates are higher in states with low HPV vaccination rates. Even with suboptimal uptake in the U.S., we continue to see the benefits of HPV vaccination. Every child vaccinated is a step close to HPV cancer elimination starting with cervical cancer as a public health concern.

The study comes amid evolving vaccination policy. As ACIP reviews elements of the federal vaccine schedule, state vaccine laws are increasingly diverging. The Vaccine Policy Atlas helps states map these policy interactions. Despite policy uncertainties in terms of vaccination schedules and legal aspects, more than 230 medical and public health organizations recently affirmed support for the AAP vaccine schedule, underscoring strong scientific consensus on HPV vaccination’s safety and cancer‑prevention impact.

Learn More about the Current Vaccination Landscape

• CIDRAP: Cervical cancer rates higher in states with low HPV vaccination rates
  

• HPV vaccination provides “sustained protection” against cervical cancer

• CIDRAP Op-Ed: The HPV vaccine prevents cancer. The new ACIP wants to re-examine that
  

• KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust: Trust in the CDC and Views of Federal Childhood Vaccine Schedule Changes
  

• Tracking State Actions on Vaccine Policy and Access
  

• The New Federal Vaccine Schedule for Children: What Changed and What Are the Implications?
  

• Recent Changes in Federal Vaccine Recommendations: What's the Impact on Insurance Coverage?
  

• State Recommendations for Routine Childhood Vaccines: Increasing Departure from Federal Guidelines
  

Things Newer than HPV Vaccination: Zoom

“Hey, I think you’re on mute.”

Most of us have adjusted to virtual meetings and accepted them as part of our normal work, but there was a time when this technology did not yet exist. A common concern about HPV vaccination is that it is “too new,” but actually, Zoom technology is newer than the HPV vaccine. While HPV vaccination has been recommended by experts since 2006, we have only been awkwardly saying, “You’re on mute!” since 2011.

Today is HPV Awareness Day 2026

St. Jude HPV Awareness Day 2026 Seminar Series

Focusing on Alana's Future: Free of HPV Cancers and Other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

One Less Worry: International HPV Awareness Day Campaign 2026

Florida HPV Elimination Leading Progress Statewide (HELPS) Annual Summit, March 4

HPV Vaccination Counseling: Best Practices for Dental Providers, March 4

Virginia Provider Letter Released for HPV Awareness Day

Join a Global Movement to Prevent HPV Cancers

March is Women's History Month

Improving Rural HPV Vaccination Coverage

Rural Quarterly Updates Meeting Highlights – February 19, 2026

The February Rural Quarterly Updates Meeting brought together partners nationwide to review progress and discuss key developments shaping rural HPV vaccination efforts. It opened with an overview of the updated Rural HPV Vaccination Priority Actions, which continue to guide work to implement evidence‑based interventions, strengthen provider capacity, bolster rural‑relevant data, foster partnerships, and monitor rural context. Attendees were also reminded of program resources available to support rural HPV vaccination and cancer prevention.

Heather Brandt, PhD shared updates on the evolving HPV vaccination landscape, emphasizing that HPV vaccination remains recommended for all children. She also detailed how the January 2026 changes to the U.S. childhood immunization schedule issued by Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy—which reduced routinely recommended pediatric vaccines from 17 to 11—may disproportionately affect rural families by increasing confusion, limiting access in areas with fewer providers, and shifting several vaccines to shared decision‑making. These changes risk widening rural gaps through reduced protection, new access barriers tied to state policies, and greater uncertainty among families.

Ashley Lach highlighted the 2026 ACS Rural Learning Community and its expanded curriculum, which now includes cancer‑screening topics. During this period of changing immunization recommendations, the Rural Learning Community supports rural partners by offering reliable guidance, shared learning, and tools to help maintain strong HPV vaccination practices despite the uncertainty.

The meeting also previewed the upcoming summer St. Jude–ACS Rural Communication Duet Series and closed by recognizing the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program’s five‑year anniversary while encouraging partners to stay engaged throughout 2026.

To learn more, visit the Preventing HPV Cancers in Rural Communities website or sign up to receive the latest information on our rural HPV vaccination coverage efforts. Read the latest rural quarterly communication from February 2026 here.

Wide Open Spaces: Supporting HPV Vaccination with Rural Communities

Iowa has the second highest rate of new cancers in the country and is one of only two states experiencing an increase in cancer incidence, prompting the launch of the 99 Counties Project—a statewide effort by the Iowa Cancer Registry and University of Iowa College of Public Health, in collaboration with multiple state partners. Through community presentations in each of Iowa’s 99 counties—77 of which are rural—the project shares local cancer data, evidence‑based prevention strategies, and resources to support informed action. With 52 counties reached so far, sessions highlight leading cancers, HPV vaccination, screening programs, and tools like the Vaccines for Children and Care for Yourself programs. By pairing data with dialogue, the project aims to build trust, address community questions, and strengthen cancer prevention across Iowa.

About the Author: Whitney Zahnd, PhD is a tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Health Management and Policy in the College of Public Health and a full member of the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa. Her research employs health services research and social epidemiological approaches to address rural cancer disparities across the continuum and to ameliorate disparities in access to health care services. Currently, she serves as the deputy director of the RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis, past president of the Iowa Rural Health Association board, and chair of the Journal of Rural Health editorial board.   

Do you have a story about HPV cancer prevention efforts with rural communities? We invite guest contributors to share information on how they are working to improve HPV vaccination in rural areas through the Wide Open Spaces article series, which is promoted in our monthly Path to Prevention newsletter, featured in our quarterly rural HPV vaccination newsletter, and posted on stjude.org/HPVrural. If you are interested in contributing to or learning more about our efforts to improve HPV vaccination with rural communities, please email us at PreventHPV@stjude.org.

HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast

The HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast provides support for HPV vaccination coverage across 12 states and two jurisdictions in the Southeastern U.S. The Southeast Roundtable is guided by leadership from the Executive Committee, Steering Committee, implementation teams, and general membership with backbone support provided by the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program. The priority actions of the Southeast Roundtable focus on implementing a regionally tailored communication campaign, supporting elimination of HPV cancers beginning with cervical cancer as a public health concern, and promoting starting HPV vaccination at age 9 and other best practices.

                         
To learn more, visit the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast website. Join us as a member of the Southeast Roundtable to receive the latest information. Read the latest Southeast Roundtable quarterly communication from January here.

2025 Annual Report

In 2025, the Southeast Roundtable strengthened its regional infrastructure while expanding engagement across the 12 states and two jurisdictions served. Collectively, metrics of success reflected a maturing, highly active network driving HPV cancer prevention across the region.

Aligned with the Southeast Roundtable priority actions, we launched and evaluated the It’s Our Way Down South communication campaign, reaching users in 30 states and 85 organizations and delivering technical assistance and support. We advanced HPV cancer elimination through release of a regional Call to Action, implementation toolkit, virtual seminars, and ongoing technical support for state and jurisdiction elimination efforts. Health care provider training was expanded, case study series was introduced, and medical trainee curriculum was in development. Across all priority actions, the Southeast Roundtable engaged thousands through meetings, newsletters, and resource dissemination. Read more about the communication, elimination, and start at age 9 and other best practices priority actions below.

Communication: Develop and implement a communication campaign and messages for the Southeastern region

In 2025, the communication implementation team expanded the It’s Our Way Down South campaign to strengthen culturally relevant HPV vaccination messaging across the Southeast. New evergreen and back‑to‑school assets, provider tools such as badge buddies, pocket cards, reminder/recall cards, and updated parent and caregiver materials were introduced to add to growing campaign assets. To support users, the team developed and disseminated a comprehensive campaign user guide and hosted monthly technical‑assistance office hours, reaching participants across seven months in 2025. Evaluation feedback highlighted strong satisfaction with cultural relevance and ease of use, while identifying needs for multilingual content and expanded imagery, insights that shaped campaign updates. In 2026, priorities include expanding Spanish translations, developing a public‑facing resource webpage, and broadening dissemination.

Access the It’s Our Way Down South communication campaign here. If you have an upcoming in-person event and would like to have physical copies of posters or postcards, complete this request form.

Elimination: Develop and disseminate a plan for HPV cancer elimination in the Southeast, beginning with cervical cancer, as a public health concern

The Southeast Roundtable advanced elimination planning by launching the first regional elimination plan, the Southeast U.S. Call to Action: Elimination of HPV Cancers Starting with Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Concern, alongside a comprehensive elimination implementation toolkit and new regional landing page. The implementation team hosted the virtual launch on September 9, and the “Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action” seminar in November. Toolkit access totaled 49 requests by year’s end, and the team provided technical assistance to partners in Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Texas, with additional support to Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia. The team also hosted the Enough Book Club, engaging 75 registrants in shared learning to advance elimination strategies. In 2026, efforts will focus on continued dissemination, deeper technical support, and building a universal resource library to guide state‑level elimination planning.

Start at Age 9 and Other Best Practices: Accelerate efforts to start HPV vaccination at age 9

The Start at Age 9 and Other Best Practices team advanced HPV vaccination initiation strategies through health care provider education and training, systems support, and new training pipelines. In 2025, programming included the “HPV Vaccination Age Forecasting” seminar and the newly launched “Quarterly Case Study Meetings.” Provider capacity also increased through Announcement Approach Training. The implementation team developed a forthcoming “Age 9 Information & Resources Guide” and advanced a standardized medical trainee curriculum, now in final preparation for pilots at two Memphis‑based programs. In 2026, priorities include expanding case‑study offerings, disseminating the resource guide, and implementing the trainee curriculum to build sustainable early‑recommendation capacity.

• April 30, 1-2:15 p.m. CT. Register here.

• July 30, 1-2:15 p.m. CT. Register here.

• October 29, 1-2:15 p.m. CT. Register here.

2026 and Beyond

As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, the Southeast Roundtable stands poised to build on the remarkable momentum we created together in 2025. Our region has shown what’s possible when people and partners unite behind a shared vision of a world free from HPV cancers, and the year ahead offers even greater opportunity to deepen that impact.

At the Southeast Roundtable 2026 In‑Person Annual Meeting on March 9-10, we will come together to revisit our priorities, strengthen our strategies, and boldly “Spring into Action,” ensuring our work remains responsive, innovative, and rooted in the needs of the communities we serve. With the dedication, creativity, and collaboration of our members, we will continue advancing toward a future where every child, family, and community across the Southeast benefits from strong, equitable HPV cancer prevention. Our progress is powerful and together, we will keep moving it forward.

The Roundtable looks forward to highlighting the Southeast Roundtable 2026 In‑Person Annual Meeting in the April edition of the Path to Prevention newsletter.

Memphis and Shelby County HPV Cancer Prevention Roundtable

Register for the 2026 Mid-Year Meeting,  March 24 

Registration for the 2026 Mid-year Meeting on March 24 is open. This important convening underscores our shared commitment to advancing HPV cancer prevention across our community. Join us on March 24 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The mid-year meeting will feature Deanna Kepka, PhD, MPH as our keynote speaker. Kepka is with the Huntsman Cancer Institute and a professor at the College of Nursing at the University of Utah. She founded, and leads, the 500-member Mountain West HPV Vaccination Coalition and is the Director of Global and International Health in the College of Nursing. Kepka is an expert in community-level cancer prevention and control research among underserved communities and promoting HPV vaccination as cancer prevention. Kepka will present on the growing national and global momentum toward eliminating cervical cancer and other HPV cancers, highlighting emerging strategies and collaborative efforts driving progress. The interactive mid-year meeting will bring together Memphis Roundtable members and partners to map out next steps in our collective efforts to prevent HPV cancers.

To learn more, visit the Memphis and Shelby County HPV Cancer Prevention Program website. Join us as a member of the Memphis Roundtable to receive the latest information. Read the latest Memphis Roundtable monthly communication here.

Survivor Proud: Improving HPV Vaccination Coverage among Childhood Cancer Survivors

Survivor Proud: Strengthening Prevention Through Partnership

As the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program celebrates five years on campus, we are reflecting on the partnerships that make prevention education meaningful and impactful. One key collaboration in this work is within the St. Jude Housing Department at Domino’s Village — a space where families find comfort, connection, and community during treatment.

For Jermarra Jones-Price, Volunteer and Special Events Coordinator for Tri Delta Place and Domino’s Village, the work is deeply personal.

“When families walk through our doors, they’re often experiencing some of their hardest days,” Jermarra shares. “It’s our responsibility to make sure they feel cared for, seen, and heard. We’re creating a home-away-from-home experience.”

That same sense of care and protection is at the heart of the Survivor Proud campaign. Survivor Proud is not only about celebrating survivorship — it is about protecting survivors’ futures. Through HPV vaccination education, families learn about cancer prevention, including the importance of HPV vaccination six months post-treatment to reduce the risk of certain preventable cancers later in life.

Jermarra emphasizes the importance of having these conversations in housing spaces, not solely in clinical settings.

“Being able to meet families where they are, outside of hospital walls, makes those conversations feel less overwhelming,” she explains. “We’re all serving the same mission. When departments collaborate, families receive consistent support and messaging.”

As we look ahead, one thing remains clear: when teams work together with intention and compassion, we strengthen our shared commitment to ensuring every child not only survives — but thrives.

Partners on the Path to Prevention

A Friday that Changed Everything: Tukesia’s Survivorship Story

Tukesia began an aggressive treatment plan that included six weeks of combined chemotherapy and radiation — 30 radiation treatments, six chemotherapy infusions, and two brachytherapy procedures. She temporarily relocated to Baton Rouge for consistent care, later joined by her children. Daily transportation support helped her navigate one of the most difficult seasons of her life.

When treatment ended, Tukesia returned home cancer-free. Yet survivorship brought ongoing challenges, including neuropathy and premenopausal symptoms — lasting effects many people do not see.

“People think once treatment is over, everything goes back to normal,” she said. “But life begins after that.”

Determined to turn her experience into purpose, Tukesia became involved with Cervivor Inc., a national organization that empowers cervical cancer survivors through advocacy, education, and peer support. Through Cervivor, she found community, healing, and a platform to share her story.

“If my story reaches one person and saves their life, then I’ve done enough.”

Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network

The Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) is a national collaborative of academic, public health, and community partners dedicated to reducing the cancer burden across all populations. Since its launch in 2002 through CDC and NCI support, the CPCRN has worked to accelerate the adoption of evidence‑based cancer prevention and control strategies, expand large‑scale efforts that reach diverse communities, strengthen understanding of effective implementation processes, and grow the national dissemination and implementation workforce.

Heather Brandt, PhD, senior director of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program, has been engaged with CPCRN since 2002, beginning as a doctoral student at the University of South Carolina. Now an affiliate member through her St. Jude role, Brandt describes the CPCRN as a uniquely positioned, interdisciplinary network grounded in collaboration and community partnership. She highlights the Network’s impact, collegiality, and shared commitment to translating effective cancer‑prevention strategies into practice as central to her long‑standing involvement. Brand said, “My participation in the CPCRN has been one of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career thus far. I am constantly inspired by the reach and impact and more importantly, the talent, collegiality, and genuinely good intentions of everyone associated with the Network.”

CPCRN initiatives have played a significant role in advancing HPV vaccination through multi‑level, evidence‑based interventions, with a focus on underserved, rural, and adolescent populations. Efforts have included provider education, integrating dental providers into referral pathways, and addressing vaccine hesitancy to help achieve 80% coverage goals. Brandt previously co-led a working group focused on understanding the role of community-clinical linkages on HPV vaccination that has contributed to current St. Jude programming working with clinical settings to implement evidence-based interventions. She also contributed to an article capturing the “special sauce” of the CPCRN’s success and an article describing the explicit focus on addressing inequities through Network activities.

Partner Activities and Updates

Upcoming Webinar: HPV‑Associated Oral Diseases in People With HIV, March 18

South Carolina Immunization Coalition to Host 2026 Immunization Summit Celebrating 20 Years of HPV Vaccination, April 22

St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program Tennessee Legislative Breakfast

The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program hosted a successful legislative breakfast on February 10 for the Tennessee General Assembly. More than 115 Tennessee legislators, staff members, and community partners attended, providing an invaluable opportunity to educate state leaders about the importance of HPV vaccination as cancer prevention. Tennessee House Joint Resolution 0908 (HJR0908) has officially passed, designating March 4, 2026 as HPV Awareness Day in Tennessee. This resolution recognizes the high burden of HPV cancers in our state and supports continued efforts to expand HPV vaccination and education. A special thank you goes to Representative Torrey Harris for championing this resolution and for his continued leadership and support of HPV cancer prevention.

Knowledge Is Your Light: Teen and Parent HPV Awareness Summit

North Carolina HPV Meeting Recap

The 2026 North Carolina HPV Vaccination Meeting on February 26 brought together clinicians, researchers, public health leaders, and partners from across the state for a full day of learning and collaboration. Sessions highlighted HPV vaccination strategies, survivor perspectives, vaccine policy updates, and innovative approaches such as HPV self‑collection. St. Jude presented on advancing cervical cancer elimination in North Carolina, alongside discussions on rural patient burdens and screening implementation. Afternoon panels and table discussions showcased statewide projects and practical strategies to improve vaccination, screening, and treatment. The meeting concluded with shared priorities and a collective commitment to eliminating HPV cancers in North Carolina.

Team Question: Reflections on Progress

March – and HPV Awareness Day on March 4 – is a time of celebration for the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program. Our program launched formally on March 4, 2021, and we celebrate five years of reach and impact that would not have been possible without all the people and partners leading these efforts. Current St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program team members reflect on their time as part of the program, some since its inception and some more recent, to share their favorite memories and reflect on the lasting impact this work has had on their lives.

“This year’s anniversary is especially meaningful to me as we celebrate five years of program impact. My involvement predates our 2021 launch, when I partnered with hospital leaders to envision the original “Blue Sky” concept for what this work could become. It has been inspiring to watch that vision grow into a passionate team advancing education, outreach, and technical assistance — all grounded in the powerful truth that HPV vaccination is cancer prevention. I am proud that together we are equipping communities with the tools and trusted voices needed to help eliminate HPV cancers in our lifetime.” – Andrea Stubbs, administrative director

“Being part of this ambitious program has deepened my belief that HPV cancer prevention is both urgent and achievable – and that tailored, trusted, community-driven work makes prevention powerful. I’ve been inspired by providers who persist through constant change, partners who innovate despite limited resources, and families who choose prevention for their children, and I’m very proud to advance the vision that someone’s ZIP code should never determine their access to life-saving cancer prevention.” – Nicole Williams, program coordinator

“What will remain a lasting memory for me is how we’ve united around one common goal: increasing HPV vaccination across the communities we serve. It has been truly inspiring to see our team and partners come together with a shared commitment to cancer prevention — expanding our reach while building strong, lasting relationships. I’m grateful for the mutual impact we’ve experienced: the meaningful difference we’re making in the community and the growth we’ve gained in return. Being part of this program has strengthened me both professionally and personally. I look forward to continuing this journey — building partnerships, raising awareness, and helping prevent HPV cancers for future generations.” – Portia Knowlton, program coordinator

“Being part of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my professional journey. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn and conduct research on HPV vaccination and cancer prevention, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations including childhood cancer survivors. One of my favorite memories has been conducting formative research and doing focus group discussions with patient family advisers and listening to their perspectives on HPV vaccination, which has helped to deepen my understanding of the real-world barriers families face and understand the importance of clear communication regarding HPV vaccination from healthcare providers. My work experience has strengthened my confidence in discussing HPV vaccination both professionally and personally. I feel confident communicating about HPV vaccination with friends and families in the community. My husband, who is over 40, recently completed all three doses of HPV vaccination, and I am incredibly proud of him for taking this step toward HPV cancer prevention.” – Pragya Gautam Poudel, postdoctoral fellow

“I am deeply grateful for the growth I’ve experienced over the past year in the HPV vaccination space. One of my most meaningful experiences since joining was attending the 2025 National HPV Conference with my team. Learning about the innovative work being conducted across the country was incredibly inspiring, and it is a professional milestone I will value for years to come.” – Samantha Wells, program coordinator

“From the beginning until now, I’ve seen how this program has flourished. Being here since the program’s inception, I’ve watched how it has evolved and grown. To see the impact it has had in reaching so many people means a lot.” – Ursula Leflore, senior administrative coordinator

“One of my favorite memories since joining the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program was coordinating the 4th Annual Memphis Roundtable Meeting. I had never organized an event of that scale before, so taking it on so early in my role felt both exciting and intimidating. Reading the evaluation report afterward—with all the positive feedback and the “Great job, Akeria!” comments—was such a proud moment for me. It reminded me that I found a place where I belong and that the work I contribute matters.” – Akeria Taylor, program coordinator

“I feel so proud to be a part of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program. My colleagues are all so passionate about the work we do, and as I have gotten to know them more over the past year and a half, it is so exciting to see the different ways that all of our team members shine and make the work that we do possible. As a co-lead of the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast, it has been an absolute pleasure working with all our members from various backgrounds and different states and jurisdictions across the region. In our 2026 HPV Awareness Day Seminar Series, we shared the work of the Southeast Roundtable in developing the Southeast U.S. Call to Action and supporting resources. During this recording, one thing that really impacted me was when Dr. Kobetz Kerman shared how there is no competition between state’s elimination planning efforts. I think this speaks perfectly to the very nature of our Roundtable, which requires collective action to achieve successful reach and impact. That is something I am proud to be a part of, and I look forward to seeing how the Roundtable, and our Program at St. Jude, continue to grow in years to come.” – Maddy McNee, program coordinator

“I joined St. Jude and the program in January 2021 and just recently celebrated 5 years. I had always dreamed of being at St. Jude but didn’t know if it was possible. I did know that coming here would mean working harder, having a greater sense of pride and accountability, and caring more deeply for my work than I have anywhere else. My work with the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program has challenged me in ways that I never imagined and has been immensely rewarding. My favorite memory of all way coordinating the HPV Cancer Survivors School, powered by Cervivor, Inc." – Julia Brown, program manager

“There are several moments with the many people – team members, internal supporters, and external collaborators – and many partners that are imprinted on my memory. I have always known every data point represents a person whose life matters – and this has made our work very tangible, real, and urgent. I think back to our very first seminar in 2021 to our most recent seminar series during HPV Awareness Day. I think about our intentional focus on ensuring all children are protected. I also think about the measurable reach and impact of our programming, such as the launch of national public awareness campaigns reaching tens of millions of people, convening rural experts to guide priority actions, forming the HPV Vaccination Roundtable of the Southeast, nearly 15% increase in HPV vaccination coverage in Shelby County, Tennessee, and implementing Survivor Proud as a campaign developed by St. Jude patient families for other patient families experiencing childhood cancer survivorship. It is my privilege to serve as a leader of this program. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in the next five years.” – Heather Brandt, senior director

Get Free St. Jude HPV Education Materials

The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program has created a series of HPV fact sheets that emphasize basic information about HPV vaccination and include action steps to prevent HPV cancers.

Four versions of the fact sheets target various audiences:

• General public
• Parents
• Health care providers
• Cancer patients and families
• College students
• Faith community

Select the versions in English or Spanish most appropriate for those you serve. Download the fact sheets or email PreventHPV@stjude.org to have copies mailed to you.

About the HPV Cancer Prevention Program

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and cures childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. That’s why St. Jude is raising awareness on HPV vaccination, which can prevent six types of cancer caused by the virus. As the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center dedicated solely to children, St. Jude has an important role and responsibility in increasing the number of children who benefit from HPV vaccination and reduce their risk of preventable cancers later in life.
The St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program envisions a world free of HPV cancers. Through education, promoting best practice models, and strategic partner engagement, its mission is to increase on-time HPV vaccination. On-time HPV vaccination by the 13th birthday provides safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against the most common types of HPV linked to cancers.

Learn more at stjude.org/HPV. Email PreventHPV@stjude.org with any questions.