The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 13 million Americans experience human papillomavirus (HPV) infection annually, including those in their teens. What’s more, 85% of unvaccinated sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lives.
Though there are over 100 varieties of HPV, most aren’t a problem for long-term health. But some forms of HPV are linked to certain cancers. HPV vaccines protect against the strains that may lead to cervical cancer or genital warts.
The ideal time for HPV immunization is when your child is in the “tween” years, around 11 and 12 years old so that protection against HPV and its associated cancers starts long before they become sexually active. Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon, MD specializes in vaccines and immunization for your children. We’ve prepared this list of five reasons to vaccinate your tween against HPV. When you know the facts, you’ll agree that this is an advantage you’ll want your kids to carry.
Since its approval for use in the United States, levels of HPV infections, cervical cancers and precancers, and genital warts are all seeing declining numbers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the HPV vaccine for girls in 2006 and boys in 2009 as a way of preventing cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women, of the penis in men, and of the throat and anus of both genders assigned at birth. Since then, cervical precancers associated with HPV are down 40% for vaccinated women.
The best cancer you can have is the one you avoid. When it comes to the cancers linked to HPV, only cervical cancer has a detectable precancerous stage. Other cancers prevented by the HPV vaccines generally aren’t detected until they’re active and in progress.
Vaccinating your tween against HPV requires just two doses before the age of 15. Your child may need additional shots after the age of 15 for the same protection. It’s easy to slip into your child’s regular immunization schedule. You can add HPV vaccines at a sports physical, annual well visit, or anytime they require a vaccine or booster shot. Just let us know.
Over 36,000 cases of HPV-related cancers occur each year in the country. The CDC estimates that more than 33,000 of these cases could be prevented with HPV vaccination. The HPV strains for which vaccines provide protection have dropped 81% in young adult women and 88% for girls still in their teens.
With over 135 million HPV doses administered in the U.S., there’s an established safety track record that’s supported by clinical studies involving more than 75,000 patients. There’s been one vaccine in place since 2016, and it protects against nine strains of HPV.
HPV vaccination is the right choice for your tween. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon, MD by phone or online. Two visits provide a lifetime of protection for your child, so book today.
