Steeleville Clinic Recognized for Best HPV Vaccine Coverage

Steeleville Clinic Supervisor Shannon Rubach

At Sparta Community Hospital, we believe prevention is one of the most powerful ways to Believe in Better—and the team at Steeleville Clinic has been recognized for putting that belief into action.

We’re proud to share that Steeleville Clinic has received the award for Best HPV Vaccine Coverage among participating clinics in our region. This honor, presented during the Vaccines for Children Summit in Carbondale, highlights our success in ensuring the highest percentage of eligible patients are protected against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Why the HPV Vaccine Matters

HPV is a common virus that can cause several types of cancer later in life, including cervical, throat, and other cancers. The good news? The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and can prevent most of these cancers before they start.

The CDC recommends HPV vaccination beginning at ages 11–12, though it can be given as early as age 9. By completing the vaccine series at the recommended age, children can be protected well into adulthood.

How Steeleville Clinic Achieved This Award

Steeleville Clinic’s success stems from a proactive approach, that all of our clinics use, that includes making vaccine education a natural part of conversations with parents shares Steeleville Clinic Supervisor, Shannon Rubach. “When families understand the long-term protection the HPV vaccine provides, they feel confident choosing it for their children.”

“We are proud of our Steeleville Clinic team for setting the bar high,” said Rubach. “We’ve shown that small town can deliver big results for the community.”

“This recognition is about more than statistics—it’s about protecting our kids from preventable cancers,” said Peter Hertzing, Director of Clinic Management of Sparta Community Hospital. “Reaching 83.3% first-dose coverage shows how committed our team and community are to prevention.”

Keeping Our Community Healthy

Prevention is part of our mission at Sparta Community Hospital and all of our clinics. Awards like this remind us that small steps — like getting a vaccine — can have a big impact.

If your child hasn’t yet received the HPV vaccine, we encourage you to talk with your healthcare provider. Together, we can Believe in Better by protecting the next generation from preventable cancers.

To schedule an appointment with your provider, call 618-443-1DOC (1362).