Health department reminds parents of HPV vaccinations
The Oneida County Health Department reminds parents to talk to their health care providers about immunizing their children against human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is a virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease, infecting more than half of the sexually active population. HPV can be spread through any kind of genital contact with someone who has it, even if they have no symptoms. HPV can come in more than 40 forms and is commonly associated with genital warts and certain types of cancers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends girls and boys ages 11 to 12 should begin routine HPV vaccination. Routine vaccination involves a series of three shots over the course of six months. For the best protection against the most dangerous types of HPV, it is imperative to get all three shots long before being exposed. It’s important not to wait until sexual activity starts to get the vaccine.
In the seven years of HPV vaccine safety monitoring and evaluation, no serious safety concerns have been identified.
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