HPV Vaccine
HPV vaccines protect against a very common sexually transmitted virus called HPV or human papilloma virus. HPV infects at least 50% of sexually active people at some point in their lives. The virus often clears on its own. If it persists, it can lead to cervical and other cancers and to genital warts.
Like all vaccines, these HPV vaccines are not foolproof. They do not protect against all of the 100-plus types of HPV. But both vaccines are nearly 100% effective in preventing disease caused by high-risk strains of HPV -- HPV 16 and 18 -- which together account for 70% of all cervical cancers, as well as many cancers of the vagina and vulva.
The American Academy of Pediatricians recommend giving the vaccine to females as young as 9 years of age, for 3 doses and at intervals of 6 months. This is said to give protection for five years.
By far, only one HPV Vaccine -- Gardasil -- has been licensed by FDA. THis costs roughly about US$100. Which is quite cheap when you think about the expenses and the implications caused when you do contract the disease.
This information is particularly useful in our world today where unprotected sex is rampant and the population of STD (sexually transmitted disease) carriers is growing. So all you girls and dudettes, get your shots now!
