Information You Should Know About the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), is one of the most common sexually
transmitted diseases (STD). With over 6.2 million new cases diagnosed each year,
HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer. HPV affects approximately 80 percent
of all adults by the time they reach age 50.
Christina Chu, MD, an assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic
Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania Health System states: “HPV is a
general name for a group of viruses that include more than 100 different strains.
About 20 percent of women infected with HPV will develop chronic infection, and
of these, about 2 percent will develop cervical cancer. Researchers have determined
that HPV is found in almost 100 percent of cervical cancers worldwide.”
HPV Vaccine Now Available
On June 8, 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed the
first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases in females
caused by certain types of HPV. On June 29, 2006, the Advisory Committee
on Immunization Practices voted to recommend use of the HPV vaccine in
females ages 9 to 26 years old.
Facts about the HPV Vaccine:
- HPV vaccine can prevent cervical cancer.
An estimated 9,710 new cases of cervical
cancer will occur in 2006 and about
3,700 women will die.
- To be most effective, the vaccine should
be administered before the onset of sexual
activity. However, females who are
sexually active may also benefit from
the vaccination.
- HPV vaccines will not eliminate all HPV
infections or all cases of cervical cancer
but they do prevent HPV types that cause
70 percent of cervical cancer cases.
- Both vaccines appear to be safe and well
tolerated; the most common side effect
has been soreness at the injection site.
- HPV vaccines will not prevent infection
related to other sexually transmitted
diseases and it will not eliminate the
need for cervical cancer screenings (Pap smears).
- Because the vaccine is very new, the
length of vaccine protection is unclear.
Current studies indicate that the vaccine
is effective for at least five years.
- The vaccine does not cure HPV if a
female has already contracted the virus.
- The majority of doctors intend to recommend
HPV vaccinations for children and
young adults. Parental acceptance is also
high, especially after parents are educated
about HPV and cervical cancer.
It is important to talk to your health care
provider about the HPV vaccine especially if
you are under the age of 26 or if you have children
between the ages of 9 and 26. In addition, you
should also contact your insurance company to
determine if the vaccine is covered by your health
policy.
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