Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects millions of people worldwide. While many people who contract HPV will not experience any symptoms, the virus can cause a range of health problems, including genital warts and certain types of cancer. In recent years, the development of the HPV vaccine has been a significant breakthrough in preventing HPV-related diseases. Despite its proven effectiveness, many people remain uninformed about the benefits of the HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine is a series of shots that are designed to prevent infection with certain types of HPV. There are currently three HPV vaccines available: Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix. These vaccines are designed to protect against the strains of HPV that are most commonly associated with cervical cancer and genital warts.
The HPV vaccine is typically recommended for individuals aged 11-26 years old, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommending vaccination for both boys and girls at age 11 or 12 before they become sexually active. The vaccine is most effective when given at a younger age, as it is designed to prevent infection with HPV before exposure to the virus. The vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing the most common strains of HPV, which are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases, as well as other HPV-related cancers, including cancers of the anus, throat, and penis.
Many individuals who fall outside of the recommended age range are still at risk of contracting HPV and its associated diseases. This includes individuals who have never been vaccinated, as well as those who have only received a partial series of HPV shots. While the vaccine is most effective when administered prior to exposure to the virus, studies have shown that even individuals who have already been exposed to one or more strains of HPV can still benefit from the vaccine. This is because the vaccine can protect against other strains of the virus that the individual may not have been exposed to yet.
The HPV vaccine has been shown to be safe for individuals over the age of 26 even if it may be less effective, it can still provide significant protection against HPV-related diseases.
By getting vaccinated, individuals can take an important step towards protecting their health and preventing the spread of HPV. If you have questions about the HPV vaccine or whether it is appropriate for you or your child, talk to your healthcare provider.
About The Author
Dr. Coco is a highly-educated and well-qualified primary care physician who graduated from the University of the Philippines Baguio with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. She completed her three-year residency training in Family Medicine at Brokenshire Medical Center. She passed her diplomate exams in Family Medicine, given by the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians in 2018.
Dr. Coco is dedicated to providing comprehensive and holistic care for her patients. She is a primary care physician who believes in delivering continuing comprehensive health care for all. To her, patients are not just a number as she takes time to analyse how she can improve their overall health every chance they can get.
