HPV Vaccine Protects Your Children From 6 Types of Cancer Later in Life – 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime. (Reasons to Get HPV Vaccine, CDC) Though most of them go away on their own, those that don’t will cause certain cancers. Learn more about HPV and how to protect your kids from those cancers right here on Newsymom!
This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
Human papillomavirus (or HPV) is the most common STD. There are more than 200 types of the virus, with 40 of them affecting the genitals. (Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Planned Parenthood)
Though symptoms are normally mild and go away on their own, the infections that stay can cause cancers later on in life, affecting the following areas of the body:
- Cervix, vagina, and vulva in women
- Penis in men
- Anus and back of the throat (including base of the tongue and tonsils) in both men and women
While your kids are between the ages of 11-12, you can help protect them from these cancers by vaccinating them with the HPV Vaccine!
About the HPV Vaccine
The stats are in and the consensus is clear: HPV vaccination works.
HPV infections, genital warts, and cervical precancers (abnormal cells on the cervix that can lead to cancer) have dropped since the vaccine has been in use in the United States. Here’s some of the stats:
- Infections with the HPV types that cause most cancers and genital warts dropped 88% in teenage girls
- Within vaccinated women, pre-cancers that are linked to cervical cancer dropped 40%
(Reasons to Get HPV Vaccine, CDC)
HPV Vaccination Prevents Cancer
Preventing cancer is a heck of a lot better than treating it. When you vaccinate your kids, you’re protecting their chance to live longer, healthier lives. The Tuscarawas County Health Department wants to help you make that happen! Schedule your children for their first dose of the HPV vaccine by calling (330) 363-5555 x. 100 for more info.
Also, take the chance to get your children updated on all other important vaccines before this upcoming school year to keep them from getting sick! Call (330) 363-5555 x. 174 or 181 for the Back to School Vaccine Information, or learn more here.
Continue to follow for the latest health tips from the Tuscarawas County Health Department on Facebook (@tchdnow) to keep your family healthy!
Melissa Klatt
Reporting
