HPV (human papillomavirus) is a virus that is common in the United States and around the world and can cause cancer and genital warts. HPV is spread through sexual contact. There are about 100 types of HPV. HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer in women and is also associated with several other types of cancer in men and women.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. At least 50% of sexually active people will get it sometime in their lives.
Gardasil is the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions, and genital warts due to HPV. June 29, 2006 the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend the vaccine for routine vaccination for girls 11-12 years of age, and the recommendation also allows for vaccination of girls beginning at nine years old as well as girls and women 13-26 years old.
The vaccine is given in a series of three injections over a six-month period, and is effective in preventing four types of HPV in young women not previously exposed to HPV. The vaccine targets HPV types that cause up to 70% of all cervical cancers and about 90% of genital warts.
The vaccine will not treat existing HPV infections or their complications.
Contact the Health Center or your family health care provider for more information about the vaccine, or if you want to receive the vaccine.
(Source: CDC's National Immunization Program website).
For complete information visit the CDC website at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/hpv/vac-faqs.htm