Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). The virus infects the skin and mucous membranes. HPV can cause cervical cancer. You cannot see HPV. Most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it as most people with HPV do not develop symptoms or health problems. Fortunately, a vaccine can now protect females from the four types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers and genital warts. The vaccine is recommended for 11 and 12 year-old girls. It is also recommended for girls and women age 13 through 26 who have not yet been vaccinated or completed the vaccine series.
 
Since 2007 the Health Care Foundation (HCF), the REACH Healthcare Foundation and KAMU have been working together to implement a project in three counties in Kansas (Wyandotte, Johnson and Allen) to provide the HPV vaccine at no cost to 5,000 uninsured and/or underserved  females ages 9-26 in order to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

Sites offering the HPV vaccine in Wyandotte, Johnson and Allen counties are:

1. Health Partnership of Johnson County

2. Johnson County Health Department

3. Southeast Kansas - Multi County Health Dept. (Allen County)

4. Turner House Children's Clinic

5. Planned Parenthood of Kansas & Mid Missouri

6. Swope Health Services

7. KU Health Partners Silver City Health Center