Last Tuesday, Sept. 23rd was National Women’s Health and Fitness Day! Women’s health is a broad term, encompassing a whole collection of illnesses, disease prevention tools, and wellbeing. Today, we’re going to focus on one important part of women’s health: Vaccines!
HPV Vaccines
In 2024, only 64% of girls were fully up to date on the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is a crucial part of women’s health as it can prevent six types of cancer, including cervical, vulvar and vaginal. HPV screening rates have decreased over the past 5 years, making it even more crucial for teens to get their HPV vaccine. The vaccine is usually administered as a 2-dose series in girls aged 9-12. If you’re older, you may still be able to get the vaccine, but be sure to talk to your doctor to explore what options are available!
For more information about the HPV vaccine, please visit Unity’s FAQ page.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines
Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are a crucial part of women’s health. While pregnant, the immune system changes, making the person more vulnerable to severe outcomes from infectious disease. Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine can help keep pregnant women and their babies safe from complications due to respiratory illness.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that anyone pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, receive a COVID-19 vaccine , and the annual flu shot. Notably, mothers vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant pass antibodies to their newborn, keeping the baby safe from COVID-19 infection for the first few months of life.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are a crucial part of women’s health at any point of life, and are especially important during pregnancy.
Vaccines = Health!
There are so many other ways for women to stay healthy, like taking care of mental health, finding time to get exercise and eating healthy! Today we highlighted the importance of getting vaccinated in protecting women and girls from vaccine-preventable illness. Let this serve as a reminder to make an appointment to get your recommended shots, to protect you and/or any women or girls in your community!
