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HPV wasn't a hot topic when I was a teenager and these days it seems to be a household name. As a mother of a young girl, what information can you give me about this immunization. Thank you!
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Hello Kristin,
Parents of adolescents, male and female, should consider having their children immunized for HPV.
The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for preteen boys and girls at age 11 or 12 so they are protected before ever being exposed to the virus. HPV vaccine also produces a higher immune response in preteens than in older adolescents. If your teen hasn't gotten the vaccine yet, talk to their doctor about getting it for them as soon as possible.
The HPV vaccine is given in 3 shots. The second shot is given 1 or 2 months after the first shot. Then a third shot is given 6 months after the first shot.
There are two HPV vaccines. Girls and young women should get either HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer.
One of the HPV vaccines also protects against genital warts and anal cancer in both females and males.Boys should get this HPV vaccine to prevent anal cancer and genital warts. Girls can get this vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, anal cancer and genital warts.
Common, mild side effects reported include pain in the arm where the shot was given, fever, dizziness and nausea.
Serious side effects from the HPV vaccine are rare. It is important to tell the doctor or nurse if your child has any severe allergies, including an allergy to latex or yeast.
I do hope this information is helpful.
Regards,
October 3, 2014 - 9:33amMaryann
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