Immunization

Human Papillomavirus

The Disease

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the US. More than 50% of sexually active men and women are infected with HPV at some time in their lives. There are about 40 different types of HPV that can cause infection. Some types can cause serious health problems such as cervical cancer in women, other cancers in the genital area in women and men, and genital warts in women and men.

 

The Immunization

HPV vaccine can prevent most genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer. HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for girls in a 3-dose series. The first dose is given at 11-12 years of age, a second dose is given 2 months after the first dose, and a 3rd dose is given approximately 4 months later. The vaccine is also recommended for girls and women 13-26 years of age who did not receive it when they were younger.

 

Vaccine Recommendations

• AAP: Prevention of Human Papillomavirus Infection: Provisional Recommendations for Immunization of Girls and Women with Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine

• CDC: Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (Exit Site)

 

Other Resources

• HPV Vaccine Information Statement (Exit Site)

• CDC HPV Page (Exit Site)

• Immunization Action Coalition HPV page (Exit Site)

• National Network for Immunization Information HPV page (Exit Site)