HPV Vaccine, is it mandatory and Why?
(Human Papillomavirus Vaccine) HPV vaccine is important as it protects against cancers that is caused by HPV infection. HPV is a common virus; that almost one in four in the United States is affected. HPV infection in women may cause vulvar, vaginal and cervical cancers, in men penile cancer and both women and men can suffer with cancer of the throat, anal cancer and genital warts.
It is recommended to get HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12 for boys and girls so that they are not exposed to virus. HPV vaccine in the preteen years produces robust immune response. Older teens get health check-ups very rarely and if you know you never had the vaccine shot, consult your nurse or doctor and get it administered.
The normal course of HPV vaccine is in 3 shots. The routine practice is that the second shot is given after the first shot in 1 or 2 months. After 6 months, the third shot is given exactly after the first shot. It is recommended to receive the HPV vaccine full series. Young men and women can get vaccinated through ages 21 and 26.
HPV in the United States is the most sexual commonly transmitted infection and most sexually active person also becomes infected in life at some time. The virus causes more than 90 percent cervical cancers and cancers of the penis, vulva, anus, vagina and oropharynx, including the tongue and tonsils base and the back of the throat. It also causes genital warts.
The HPV immunization is at a low rate among young teens as it is expensive and relatively new. The society updated its guideline immunization recently and it is observed that the effectiveness is low with the age and so it highlights the early vaccination importance. Another obstacle is the belief that it promotes teenage promiscuity.
There was publicity initially on preventing sexually transmitted disease, but doctors affirm it is a vaccine to prevent cancer. Multiple studies reveal absolutely no negative impact on sexual activity when the HPV vaccine is given to girls.
Parental support for having vaccinated against HPV for 11 and 12 year old children is weak. Several states propose vaccination as mandatory for school entry, and many parents of children ages also “opt out” this provision.