Fewer than two thirds of Oklahoma teens have gotten vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus. Rates are even lower for those in rural areas.
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection and can cause cervical cancer later in life. It’s common. The CDC estimates about 13 million Americans contract an HPV infection annually
But rates have decreased since a vaccine was released in 2006. It’s a two-dose series, and public health officials recommend children get the vaccine around 11 or 12.
In Oklahoma, about 60 percent of children aged 13-18 have received the vaccine. That’s according to research published this month by a partnership of OSU Rural Health, Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and with Purdue University.
Rates were lower in rural areas than in urban, and they were also lower among Hispanic and multicultural teens.
Respondents were asked why they opted out, and researchers say the most common answers were safety concerns and lack of doctor recommendations.
Oklahoma is one of 39 states receiving part of a more than $390 million multistate settlement with Google.
Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor announced the state will receive over $6 million from a settlement with Google over its location tracking practices after a multistate investigation revealed the tech company had been violating consumer protection laws since at least 2014.
It was found Google misled users about the extent to which they could limit the company’s location tracking, resulting in users’ movements being recorded even after they told the company not to track them.
The settlement also requires Google to take steps towards transparency with consumers about their location tracking practices and the types of location data they collect.
A former private Christian university administrator will serve as Chief of Staff to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt.
Brandon Tatum served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Oklahoma Christian University. He’s also served on Stitt’s education committee and on the Statewide Virtual Charter Board as Stitt’s appointee.
One major idea Tatum has championed at OC is partnering with workplaces. For example, the university recently started a program where teachers’ assistants and paraprofessionals can earn their degrees and certifications online while still working at schools.
And while Tatum’s role as chief of staff encompasses more than just education, analysts say he’ll likely play a big role in helping Stitt convince state legislators to get on board with publicly funded private school vouchers.
Oklahoma City is seeking public input for several park improvement projects.
The city is inviting residents to share ideas on improvements to nearly 100 community and neighborhood parks as a part of MAPS 4.
The feedback gathered from residents will help consultants as they develop a master plan and assess park conditions and potential expansion needs.
To participate in the survey visit MAPS4parks.com.
_________________
For additional news throughout the day visit our website, KGOU.org and follow us on social media.
We also invite you to subscribe to the KGOU PM NewsBrief with host Dani Ingram.