HPV vaccine critical in fight against infectious disease, cancer
This article emphasizes the importance of the HPV vaccine for preteens to prevent various types of cancer later in life. It outlines CDC recommendations for dosage schedules and highlights that the vaccine is a critical tool for public health.
Why it matters
Widespread HPV vaccination can prevent over 90% of HPV-related cancers, significantly reducing long-term healthcare burdens.
SCRANTON - As a new school year gets underway, parents and caregivers are checking off the usual back-to-school to-do list: new clothes, school supplies, physicals, and, importantly, making sure children are up to date on their recommended vaccinations.
One vaccine that deserves particular attention is the human papillomavirus, or HPV, vaccine. While HPV vaccination is routinely recommended during the preteen years, its benefits extend well into adulthood. In fact, HPV vaccination is an important tool for preventing certain cancers later in life.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It is so common that nearly all sexually active people will be infected with at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives. Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and go away on their own within two years. But some infections persist and can lead to genital warts or cancer.
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