HPV Vaccination Awareness

August is National Immunization Awareness Month and a great time to talk about the HPV vaccine. HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection and most people do not know they have it. HPV can cause cancers of cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and back of the throat including the base of the tongue and tonsils.

There are more than 100 types of HPV. Some types produce warts such as plantar warts on the feet and common hand warts, and approximately 40 types of HPV can infect the genital area, the vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, or scrotum. Genital HPV infections are very common. HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active people will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives.

The HPV vaccine protects against cancers caused by HPV and provides the most benefit when given before a person is exposed to any HPV. That is why CDC recommends HPV vaccination at ages 11-12. HPV vaccination is also recommended through age 26 for everyone, if they did not get vaccinated when they were younger.

Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults ages 27 through 45 years may decide to get the HPV vaccine based on discussion with their health care provider, if they did not get adequately vaccinated when they were younger. HPV vaccination of people in this age range provides less benefit, as more have been already exposed to HPV.

You can learn more about the HPV vaccine at www.pphp.org.