Answering your questions about the HPV vaccine
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that most people will be exposed to at some point in their lives. Almost 14 million Americans, including teenagers, are infected with HPV every year. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, and it can cause many other diseases in both men and women.
Luckily, a vaccine available that effectively prevents HPV and the diseases it causes. Once given only to girls, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend everyone up to age 26 be vaccinated for HPV. The vaccine is especially effective in children and can be given to kids as young as nine.
We talk to pediatrician Dr. Jessica Najarian-Bell about the common questions her patients have about the HPV vaccine. We answer:
- What types of cancer does HPV cause?
- What age should people get the HPV vaccine?
- Can adults get the HPV vaccine?
- How many doses of the HPV vaccine do you need?
- How effective is the HPV vaccine?
- Is the HPV vaccine is safe?
- Are there side effects of the HPV vaccine?
- And many others
The vaccine is the easiest ways to lower your risk of getting cancer from HPV. Listen in to what Dr. Najarian-Bell recommends you do to keep your kids healthy.