By Marcos Otero, Gulf Coast Immediate Care Center, Fort Walton Beach
HPV – human papillomavirus is a common virus transmitted by sexual contact that can cause genital warts and cervical and penile cancers. The HPV virus has been linked to other cancers, including vaginal, vulva, anal, mouth, and throat cancers.
Do you know there is a vaccine against cancer?
Gardasil, a vaccine against HPV, prevents infection from 9 types of HPV. These 9 types are responsible for most of cervical cancers and genital warts. The vaccine can reduce a woman’s risk of cervical, vaginal, or anal cancer and genital warts. In men it reduces the risk of penile, or anal cancer and genital warts.
Gardasil is approved for children and adults ages 9 through 26 years.
The Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP) recommends:
- Children who start the vaccine series before their 15th birthday need only two doses to be fully protected.
- People who start the series at age 15 or older and with certain conditions that weaken the immune system need three doses to be fully protected.
HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.
Gardasil does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections. Girls and women should still receive regular pelvic and PAP smears to look for early signs of cervical cancer and precancerous changes.
Each dose of the vaccine can cost about $250. Luckily, many health insurance companies cover the HPV vaccine. Some programs help people without insurance get the vaccine for low or no cost. The cost is well worth it as it can protect from certain cancers in the future.
Get your child immunized and protected!
