Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly all sexually active men and women get HPV at some point in their lives? Luckily, there is a vaccine available that effectively protects against HPV. Read on to learn about the HPV vaccine schedule to find out when you (or your child) should get vaccinated.
About HPV
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted virus. According to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), there are an estimated 24 million active cases of HPV in the US and 5.5 million cases each year. Not all types of this virus cause cancer and some may not even cause noticeable symptoms. However, the CDC reports that HPV can cause 6 types of cancers in men and women.
The HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine was approved and introduced in 2006. The vaccine protects against the types of HPV that are most commonly associated with the cancers we mentioned before as well as genital warts. Studies have shown that the HPV vaccine has been effective at preventing HPV infection and by extension, it is effective at preventing HPV related cancers.
Like most vaccines, this immunization is completely safe for most people. Only a few people should not get vaccinated against HPV. These people are:
- People who have a severe reaction to the first dose of the vaccine
- People who are allergic to the components of the vaccine
- Pregnant women
- People who are moderately or severely ill when they are scheduled to get vaccinated should postpone immunization until after they recover.
What is the HPV Vaccine Schedule?
The recommended HPV vaccine schedule depends on the age of the person being vaccinated. Doctors recommend that children begin the HPV vaccination series as a preteen or early in the teen years. While the vaccination can be given to children as young as nine, the ideal age for a child to be vaccinated is from 11 to 12. Older individuals can also get vaccinated against HPV, but they may need more doses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following HPV vaccine schedule:
- People ages 9-14 years: Two doses that are given 6-12 months apart
- People ages 15-26 years: Three doses given at the following intervals:
- At least 4 weeks between the first and second dose
- 12 weeks between the second and third dose
- 5 months between the first and third dose
Adults between the ages of 27 and 45 may also be able to get vaccinated with the three-dose series but should consult their doctor about the benefits of doing so.
Why Is it Recommended For Younger Women?
It is recommended that the vaccine be given at a young age because pre-teens will produce more antibodies after vaccination than older teens and adults. Therefore, it takes fewer doses for preteens to be protected than their older counterparts.
Because HPV is a sexually transmitted disease, for many parents, discussing the HPV vaccine for their children may be uncomfortable. A child that age should not be sexually active, so it can seem premature to address a sexually transmitted disease now.
However, as the American Academy of Pediatrics points out, 50-80% of HPV infections occur within the first two to three years of the first instance of sexual activity. That means completing the HPV vaccination schedule before sexual activity can be beneficial.
Contact Green Valley OB/GYN
Green Valley OB/GYN has been providing the highest quality of obstetric and gynecological care for over 70 years. We offer a comprehensive list of services, including providing the HPV vaccine to patients in the age groups mentioned above. To set up an appointment to talk about your health, call us at (336) 378-1110 to schedule an appointment.