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If you could protect your children now from a potential cancer later in life, would you? Dr. Gregory Poland, director of the Mayo Clinic Vaccine Research Group says by ensuring children are vaccinated against HPV before they are sexually active, you can protect them long before they are exposed to the virus.
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HPV, or human papillomavirus, is nearly universal.
"Essentially, every sexually active person in the U.S. will be infected with the virus," says Dr. Poland.
While most infections will resolve on their own, some may cause a variety of warts or cancer.
"Almost all of the oral cancers are caused by HPV. Almost all of the cervical cancers, vaginal cancers, anal cancers, penile cancers — these are preventable."
These cancers are preventable with a highly effective vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses of the HPV vaccine for 11- and 12-year-old boys and girls.
"You can start as young as 9 years old. The typical time to give it is as you're entering into adolescence, in that 11-, 12-year-old time frame."
Dr. Poland says the point is to immunize and protect children before they become sexually active.
"There's a vaccine that will protect them from a lifelong infection, and it's safe and effective."
Related posts:
- Mayo Clinic Minute: The rise of HPV-related throat cancer
- Infectious Diseases A-Z: Who should get the HPV vaccine and why
- Infectious Diseases A-Z: FDA approves HPV vaccine for adults 27-45
