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Huntsman Cancer Institute investigator , was recently honored at the 2025 Silver Syringe Awards, sponsored by the . These annual awards go to individuals and clinics that have gone above and beyond to increase immunization awareness, improve vaccination rates, and provide critical services to promote immunizations across the state.
Kepka, professor of nursing at the and member of the at Huntsman Cancer Institute, was selected to receive the HPV Vaccination Champion Award for her dedication to increasing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates in Utah and educating the community about the importance of the HPV vaccine.
“I am so honored to be recognized for our tireless dedication toward improving HPV vaccination rates in the state of Utah,” Kepka says. “Giving kids this safe, effective, and evidence-based opportunity for cancer prevention is truly a gift and one of our most outstanding scientific and medical achievements. I hope to see the elimination of HPV-related cancers in my lifetime.”
“We are proud to recognize Dr. Kepka as a recipient of Utah’s prestigious Silver Syringe Award, honoring her exceptional efforts to advance cancer prevention and access in our state,” says , program manager for the . “Her nationally recognized work in cancer prevention and HPV vaccination exemplifies Huntsman Cancer Institute’s goal to reduce the cancer burden through evidence-based, high-impact strategies, particularly among rural communities. “Her commitment to ensuring all children benefit from cancer prevention aligns powerfully with our vision of passionate individuals and teams delivering a cancer-free frontier through scientific discovery and human touch.”
HPV is a common virus that affects the skin, genital area, and cervical lining. It is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent HPV-related cancers and other health complications, making education and access to this vaccine essential.
The Silver Syringe Awards highlight the critical work being done to protect Utah communities through immunization advocacy and education. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services extends its congratulations to all honorees and thanks them for their dedication to public health.
Learn more about vaccine-preventable diseases and the risks and benefits associated with immunization from the .
The critical research happening every day at Huntsman Cancer Institute is supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, including cancer center support grant P30 CA042014, as well as Huntsman Cancer Foundation.