HPV (human papillomavirus) is in the news. Like many medical issues, there is still a
lot of confusion, questions, and even controversy. And despite this coverage most Americans may
not be sure as to what the links between HPV, the vaccines, and cervical and
other cancers really are. And I’d
venture to bet that many aren’t aware that HPV affects women and men!
HPV is really more than 150 viruses that may cause warts of
the genitals, throat and mouth. These
viruses also cause papillomas (non-cancerous tumors), and cervical and anal
cancer. Forty of the related viruses are
spread through sexual contact and most sexually active people in the U.S. will
have HPV at some point in their lives.
HPV is classified into types. For instance, HPV types 6 and 11 cause 90% of
genital warts. Additionally, types 16
and 18 are linked to 70% of cases of cervical cancer. Research also links these two types to
throat, anal and penile cancer.
In recent years, two pharmaceutical manufacturers developed
vaccines that can actually help prevent certain types of HPV which may cause
cancer. Gardisil and Cervarix are both
FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved vaccines.
Gardisil, is designed to prevent HPV types 6, 11, 16 and
18. It is designed for both males and
females, and may be given between the ages of 9-26.
Cervarix, is designed to prevent HPV types 16 and 18
only. This vaccine is only designed for
females, and may be given between the ages of 10-25.
Schools, through health education, and parental involvement
programs can play a vital role to help increase awareness and understanding of
the vaccines. School located vaccine
programs can offer families an alternative location for vaccination.
The benefits of school based vaccine programs have been the
focus of many studies. What is clear is
that schools offer a unique opportunity to both educate students and caregivers
alike about diseases and vaccines, as well as a location in which to provide
the service of vaccination.
The school may play a vital role as a vaccine advocate,
primarily at increasing the understanding and awareness of the HPV vaccine by
both students and adults; and secondarily at providing the service of
vaccination.
For more information about HPV,
please review our brochure.
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