Guarding Our Kids: Vaccinating Against HPV for a Bright Future – HPV doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your kid’s bodies through various cancers later on in life. By vaccinating against HPV, you’ll protect your kids from 6 types of cancer when they get older! Learn more right here on Newsymom!

This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.

Hey there, parents! Today, we’re going to talk about something crucial: HPV. It’s not the most comfortable topic, but understanding what it is and how we can protect our children by vaccinating them is vital. So, grab a cup of coffee, relax, and let’s dive into this friendly guide!

What is HPV?

Alright, first things first: what exactly is HPV? Well, HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. It’s a common virus that affects both males and females. In fact, it’s so common that almost everyone will encounter it at some point in their lives. HPV spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact, typically through sexual activity. Now, don’t panic! Most cases of HPV clear up on their own without causing any health problems. However, some types of HPV can lead to more serious conditions, which is why taking preventive measures is crucial.

Protecting Our Kids through Vaccination

Now, let’s get to the exciting part: how can we protect our precious little ones from HPV? The answer lies in vaccination. The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective tool that can shield our kids from the potential risks associated with the virus. It’s recommended for both boys and girls, usually given between the ages of 11 and 12, although it can be administered as early as nine years old. By vaccinating early, we’re providing the best possible protection, giving their immune systems time to build defenses against the virus before they might be exposed to it.

What are the benefits of vaccination?

Vaccinating our kids against HPV comes with a bunch of benefits. First and foremost, it reduces the chances of them developing HPV-related diseases later in life. HPV is responsible for various types of cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, and oropharyngeal cancer. By getting vaccinated, we can significantly lower their risk of these potentially life-threatening conditions. Additionally, the vaccine can also prevent genital warts, another uncomfortable and unpleasant consequence of HPV.

But I have some concerns…

We get it. We totally understand that you may have concerns or questions about the vaccine’s safety. Rest assured, extensive research and clinical trials have shown that the HPV vaccine is both safe and effective. Like any vaccine, it may have mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever, but these typically go away quickly. Need some more info? Here are a few more resources to aid you in your research:

• What Parents Should Know About the HPV Vaccines (American Cancer Society)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (CDC)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (Planned Parenthood)
• Article: Here’s How HPV Vaccination Prevents Cervical Cancer 
• Article: How to Protect Your Kids From 6 Types of Cancer Later in Life

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any specific concerns or questions. They can provide the best advice tailored to your child’s individual needs.

In the end, our priority as parents is to protect our kids and ensure their future is as bright and healthy as possible. By vaccinating against HPV, we’re taking a proactive step in safeguarding them from potential health risks. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, embrace preventive measures, and pave the way for a healthier tomorrow for our children.

Update Your Vaccine Records with the Tuscarawas County Health Department

The Tuscarawas County Health Department has all your HPV vaccine needs covered. You can get scheduled by giving them a call at (330) 343-5555 x. 1000. They take most insurances, but if you don’t have health insurance, it’s not a problem! They have reduced-cost vaccines for eligible people who don’t have it.

Stay tuned on Facebook (@tchdnow) to follow along on all the latest safety facts and updates in the Tuscarawas County community!

Melissa Klatt

Reporting