Are you wondering whether the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine is right for your family? It’s hard to wade through all the information available to make a decision that gives you peace of mind. Here are a few real-world numbers to make this decision easier.
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Learning about HPV vaccine effectiveness can help keep your family safe.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the HPV vaccine prevents 90% of cancers caused by HPV.
- These can include cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers in women, penile cancers in men and anal cancers in both men and women. It can also be the cause of cancers in the mouth and throat, and anogenital warts.
- Each year 13 million cases are annually diagnosed in the United States. Over 4,000 deaths from cancers linked to HPV each year.
- More than 39,000-50,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with HPV-related cancers yearly.
- The vaccine has proven highly effective – studies show that infections causing cancer decreased by over 80% in teen-aged girls and young women in recent years.
- HPV is transmitted by skin to skin or sexual contact and are so common that most people will have at least one infection in their lifetime. They can go away on their own in a two-year timespan or last longer and potentially cause the cancers listed above.
- Getting the vaccine has proven safe for most of the population and is long-lasting.
- There are risks to the getting the vaccine such as allergic reaction, and it is not recommended to receive during pregnancy.
- Only 3-7% of negative reactions to the vaccine are classified as serious. It is most effective when taken before someone becomes sexually active, to avoid any exposure, which is why providers recommend it to children 11 or 12 years old.
- It can be given from ages 27-45 depending on the recommendation of medical providers.
If you have questions about the HPV vaccine, reach out to your Horizon primary care provider. We’re here to make sure you feel comfortable with every health decision you make.