GARDASIL 9 (HPV) Vaccine.

Things a parent needs to know about the HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
The more we learn about health risks for our children, the more we can do to help protect them as they grow up. That’s why it’s so important to get the facts about HPV.

HPV CAN BE SERIOUS
HPV can cause certain precancers, cancers, and other diseases. They can develop very slowly and may not even occur until later in life.

HPV affects BOTH genders
Both males and females are affected by HPV. Research shows that greater than 80 percent of adults in the U.S. will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. While some types of HPV may have little effect on overall health, other types can cause cancer, and it is, therefore, important to take steps focused on prevention. Over the last several years, great strides have been made toward reducing the number of cases of HPV-related cancers with the introduction of HPV preventive vaccines targeted to adolescents and young adults. ¹

IT’S IMPORTANT TO HELP PROTECT CHILDREN BEFORE THEY ARE AT RISK.

Who should get the vaccine and when?
The HPV vaccine is a chance to prevent cancer. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective, and studies show it offers long-lasting protection against several common cancers.  The AAP recommends that all children receive the HPV vaccine.³

Below are the new guidelines for when a child should receive the HPV vaccine.
If a child receives the HPV vaccine between the ages of  10-14 only 2 doses are required. If the HPV vaccine is given at age 15 or older 3 doses are required.

The HPV vaccine is given as a 2-dose series starting at age 10-14.
1st Dose at age 10-14
2nd Dose 6 to 12 months after Dose 1

The HPV vaccine is given as 3-dose series starting at age 15.
1st Dose at age 15
2nd Dose 2 months after Dose 1
3rd Dose 4 months after Dose 2 or 6 months after Dose 1

You can’t tell if someone has HPV.
Many people who have HPV don’t even know it because HPV has no signs or symptoms. There is NO treatment for HPV infection! However, there are ways to HELP protect your child from HPV-Related cancers and Diseases. In December 2014, the FDA approved Gardasil 9, a 2nd generation vaccine. This updated version of Gardasil prevents nine types of HPV, including seven cancer-causing HPV types — offering the most comprehensive protection available today. The five additional types of HPV included in Gardasil 9 account for approximately 20 percent of cervical cancer cases, meaning that Gardasil 9 has the potential to prevent approximately 90 percent of cervical cancer.²

Contact our office to book your appointment today!  As always we look forward to hearing from you.

Education is the FIRST STEP in helping to protect your children from certain HPV-Related cancers and diseases later in life.

¹,² Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

³ Information obtained from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Categorized in: Vaccines

This post was written by Delaware Pediatrics