Information about HPV vaccination
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Q.In your last column, why didn’t you mention getting the vaccination, 26 and under. Gardasil 9 may still protect her boyfriend and prevent other non-HPV16/18 problems, especially oral cancer for him. Our 23-year-old daughter died of HPV-caused cervical cancer.
– Parent
Mary Jo’s response: Thank you for your email and your courage. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I intended to do a follow-up column on the vaccine in any case; the truth is I ran out of room in the column last week. I appreciate your permission to use your question as a catalyst.
The Centers for Disease Control has extensive information on HPV vaccination on their website at http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine.html.
Here is an overview:
1. HPV vaccine protects against cancers caused by human papillomavirus.
2. HPV is very common; about one in four people in the United States are now infected.
3. About 14 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year.
4. HPV infection can cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers, penile cancer, anal cancer, cancer of the back of the throat and genital warts.
5. The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for preteen boys and girls at age 11 or 12.
6. Vaccination prior to possible exposure is the rationale for early protection.
7. HPV vaccine also stimulates a higher immune response if given during preteen years.
8. Gardasil 9 is the most common HPV vaccine (https://www.gardasil9.com/)
9. Gardasil 9 is given in three injections (shots).
10. The second shot is given one to two months after the first shot.
11. The third shot is given six months after the first shot.
12. The CDC recommends the full vaccine series of three shots.
13. The vaccine protects against nine types of HPV.
14. Gardasil 9 does not protect against all types of HPV, so routine health-care visits with cervical cancer screenings are important.
15. The vaccine does not treat an existing cancer.
16. If a preteen is not vaccinated, the vaccine may be given through age 26 to young women and through age 21 for young men.
17. Men who have compromised immune systems (including HIV) may receive the vaccine through age 26.
A pediatrician or other health-care provider can give recommendations for each young person.
The Gardasil 9 website lists these possible vaccine side-effects:
• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Itching
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• A lump where your child gets the shot
• Headache
• Dizziness