Equal Vaccine - HPV Vaccine to Marginalized Populations

Dr. Laura Zell | Tal Livne

Meuhedet Health Services, Jerusalem District

Project goal:

Making HPV vaccination accessible to marginalized populations, through trauma-informed medical training (TIC), educational activities, and vaccination in accessible sites. Thereby reducing health disparities and improving protection against sexually transmitted diseases and cervical cancer.

Project description:

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses. Certain strains can cause warts in various parts of the body (such as the pharynx, anus) and other strains can cause serious diseases, including cervical cancer. There is an effective vaccine against the virus, included in the Israeli national vaccination program since 2013. Despite that, vaccination rates are only around 60%, and in specific areas, like Jerusalem, they are even lower. Vaccination rates among girls and women from marginalized populations are particularly low.

This project aims to close this gap through tailored, culturally sensitive, medical education, trauma-informed care, and offering vaccinations at the communities’ own living environments, such as shelters, hostels, residential care facilities, or rehabilitation centers.

The project operates in collaboration with Meuhedet Health Services (Jerusalem District), the local Health Bureau, MSD Ltd., "Marpe" program, the Lewinsky Clinic, the Welfare Authority, medical students, and other community organizations.

During the first year, the project will operate in at least ten sites and will conduct a series of trainings for target populations. In addition, registration of those vaccinated will be carried out in order to complete the three required doses of the vaccine. The entire model is designed with cultural adjustments for different sectors - secular, religious, ultra-Orthodox and Arab.

Our vision is to turn "Equal Vaccine" into a uniform national policy, which will allow equal access to this essential vaccine in all HMOs and in all segments of the population, with the understanding that a life-saving vaccine must also reach those who cannot reach it alone.