HPV Vaccine
By Dr. Brown
In June, 2006 the FDA and ACIP approved the use of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine for use in female patients ages 11-26 years of age. There are three doses given over a six month period. Side effects are rare which include about 10% soreness, swelling or redness of the arm or low grade fever. Please read the official Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) for all the details. The vaccine has now been recommended for teenage males also.
Background
HPV is the cause of both genital warts and cervical cancer in women. Over 20 million people in the United States are currently infected and about 6.2 million will acquire HPV each year. There are 10,400 new cases of cervical cancer each year and 3700 deaths due to cervical cancer each year. After 3 doses, this new vaccine is 90% effective in reducing persistent HPV infection or HPV-associated genital disease. Men can acquire the virus also. Men can get cancer from this virus, but more commonly they spread the virus to women.
Discussion Points with the doctor
Although the vaccine is approved to be given to those as young as age 11, this can be discussed with your child's doctor as to when he or she may begin to get the vaccine. All three doses should be optimally given prior to exposure. This means before sexual intercourse.
In June, 2006 the FDA and ACIP approved the use of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine for use in female patients ages 11-26 years of age. There are three doses given over a six month period. Side effects are rare which include about 10% soreness, swelling or redness of the arm or low grade fever. Please read the official Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) for all the details. The vaccine has now been recommended for teenage males also.
Background
HPV is the cause of both genital warts and cervical cancer in women. Over 20 million people in the United States are currently infected and about 6.2 million will acquire HPV each year. There are 10,400 new cases of cervical cancer each year and 3700 deaths due to cervical cancer each year. After 3 doses, this new vaccine is 90% effective in reducing persistent HPV infection or HPV-associated genital disease. Men can acquire the virus also. Men can get cancer from this virus, but more commonly they spread the virus to women.
Discussion Points with the doctor
Although the vaccine is approved to be given to those as young as age 11, this can be discussed with your child's doctor as to when he or she may begin to get the vaccine. All three doses should be optimally given prior to exposure. This means before sexual intercourse.