VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— Knox County Health Department is giving an incentive to those who receive the HPV vaccine in honor of January being Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
Individuals who come to the health department will receive a $10 Amazon gift card when they get their HPV vaccine. This incentive is something they are hoping will bring in people for their vaccines with January coming up. According to the National Cancer Institute, almost 14,000 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and over 4,000 die from it, though it’s one cancer that is preventable in a large amount of cases. Nearly all cases are caused by infections with high-risk strains of HPV, most of which are covered by the vaccine.
“Vaccination and regular screening are key in reducing the risk of cervical cancer,” said Dr. Alan Stewart, Health Officer at the Knox County Health Department. “We encourage everyone eligible to take advantage of the vaccine and the screenings available to them.”
The HPV vaccine is recommended for both males and females and it is recommended to get your first dose around the age of 11 or 12 but can be given as early as nine because receiving the vaccine before exposure is the best protection. This and early detection through screening is the easiest way to detect the possibility of cervical cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women start receiving Pap tests every three years from age 21 to 65 as long as there is no history.
The Knox County Health Department will be open Monday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m.-4 p.m., and Wednesdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and asks that you show up at least 30 minutes before close to ensure service. You can stop by the Knox County Health Department or call 812-882-8700 for questions about the HPV vaccine or cervical cancer screenings.
