HPV VACCINATION, Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. HPV is usually harmless and goes away by itself, but some types can lead to cancer or genital warts. HPV can cause six types of cancer: These include anal cancer, cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, penile cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. Being vaccinated is the best way to prevent HPV infection, cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Screening can detect cervical precancers that can be treated before they develop into cancer.
HPV vaccines should be given to all girls and boys from age 9–14 years, before they become sexually active. Gardasil 9 (9vHPV), active against 9 HPV types, 2 low-risk (6, 11) and 7 high-risk (16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58) types. About 70% of HPV-related cervical cancer is caused by HPV-16 or HPV-18. HPV types 6 and 11 cause approximately 90 percent of anogenital warts.
The vaccine series 9 to 15 years of age receive two doses of HPV vaccine at 0 and 6–12 months.
The vaccine series at 15 years of age to 26 years – three doses of HPV vaccine should be given at 0, 1 to 2 (typically 2), and 6 months.
For adults 27 years and older: although the vaccine is approved for individuals up to 45 years of age, the decision about the vaccination is made on an individual basis. Studies show that the HPV vaccine is safe and prevents lasting infections. They also show that the vaccine reduces precancerous lesions. Recent research suggests that reducing precancerous lesions results in less cancer.