The HPV Vaccine: Protecting Yourself and Others

Happy new year! Did you know that January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month? To do? you Do you know about cervical cancer and how the HPV vaccine can help prevent it?

What is HPV and cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is the growth of cancer cells in the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. It is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). However, cervical cancer can be prevented by getting vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. Condoms May Provide Some Protection but HPV can still be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, even with condoms.

There are more than 200 strains of HPV, most of which are not harmful. The vast majority of sexually active people will get HPV at some point, and in most cases, the body’s immune system clears the virus without causing any problems. Most people will not even be aware that they have it.

However, in addition to the low-risk strains, there are twelve high-risk HPV strains, some of which are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.

All about the HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccine is designed to protect you from the strains of HPV that are most likely to cause cancer. In the US, Gardasil-9 is the HPV vaccine that is administered.

HPV Vaccine Could Prevent More Than 90 Percent of Cancers Caused by HPV to ever develop. There are an estimated 33,700 cases in the US each year, according to the CDC!

Currently, the vaccine protects against nine types of HPV, including the two (HPV 16 and 18) that cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers. It also prevents the types that: cause genital warts, cause another 20 percent of cervical cancers, cause anal cancers, and cause mouth and throat cancers.

When should I get it?

The vaccine is most effective when given before a person is exposed to HPV, so it is recommended before someone decides to become sexually active. The recommendation is usually between 11 and 12 years old. Although this is the case, getting vaccinated even after becoming sexually active can reduce the risk of developing HPV-related cancers or genital warts. Currently, people can receive the vaccine up to age 26, and even up to age 45 in some cases (a healthcare provider can help determine if it’s right for you).

Clarifying misinformation

The HPV vaccine is a safe and very effective tool in cancer prevention, but not everyone receives it. Only about 61 percent of teens are vaccinated against HPV in the U.S., and although vaccination rates have been increasing, they have plateaued in recent years, according to the CDC. Unfortunately, there are barriers preventing young people from receiving the vaccine.

One obstacle is lack of access to health care, whether due to distance, lack of transportation, or otherwise. As for cost, most private insurance plans cover it. For those without insurance, there are resources to help.

Another barrier is stigma and misinformation around sex and sexual health. Some parents are concerned that vaccinating their children against HPV will encourage sexual behavior, but many studies They have denied this. The choice to engage in sexual activity is much more complex than a vaccine, and the vaccine does not promote sexual behavior. However, it prevents many cancers and cases of genital warts.

Finally, people assigned male at birth (AMAB) have low rates of HPV vaccination. Many believe that the vaccine is only for people with a cervix. This is false. It is for everyone and prevents not only cervical cancer, but also vaginal, penis, anus, throat and mouth cancer, among others. Additionally, if you are AMAB, getting vaccinated protects your sexual partners and yourself.

What can be done?

We can take small actions to create big change! The main way is to educate ourselves and others. It’s always a good idea to ask a healthcare provider any questions you have about the vaccine and HPV in general.

Another important duty that we as adolescents have is to reduce the stigma surrounding sex and sexual health. HPV is really common. Talking openly about HPV and other STIs encourages people to ask questions, learn more, and feel less embarrassed. Have conversations with friends and family about HPV.

Overall, the HPV vaccine saves lives and has It reduced HPV infection by 88 percent in adolescents.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pretty impressive.

This fact sheet has more information about the HPV vaccine.