The Chatham County Health Department and Healthy Savannah are hosting a cervical cancer awareness and screening event on February 20. Eligible women can get cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations at no cost, and no appointment is required.
Almost all cervical cancers are preventable, but vaccination and early detection are crucial. Regular screenings like pap smears can detect precancerous lesions, giving women a chance to begin treatment early when survival rates are highest. Additionally, a vaccination against HPV helps to prevent infection with a virus that can lead to cervical cancer.
The cervical cancer awareness event will be held Thursday, February 20 from 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Chatham County Health Department at 1395 Eisenhower Drive in Savannah. This is a walk-in event and no appointments are needed. However, anyone needing a cervical cancer screening should arrive by 5:30 to ensure there is time to be seen before the clinic ends.
Everyone 18 years of age and older must present an unexpired photo ID at check-in. Uninsured individuals will be able to receive services at no cost. Individuals with insurance will have no out-of-pocket costs for cervical cancer screenings or HPV vaccinations; however, they should present their insurance card at check-in to avoid problems/bills from their insurer later.
The cervical cancer screenings will be available to women 21-64 years of age and HPV vaccines will be available for people age 11 to 26. Anyone age 27 to 45 wanting the HPV vaccine should talk with a health care provider to determine if it’s appropriate for them.
