For the first time in human history there is an anti-cancer vaccine available. As a doctor, I am so proud to be practicing during this impactful time.
What is HPV? HPV, short for human papillomavirus, is a virus that can cause certain cancers and diseases in both males and females. It is transmitted through sexual intercourse and/or intimate skin-to-skin contact and is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. HPV often has no signs or symptoms so many people who have the virus may not even know it.
Why is the HPV vaccine so important? HPV infects over 4 out of every 5 individuals and most will never know they are infected. In the United States, over 20,000 women and 12,000 men are affected by HPV-related cancers. In both men and women, it can cause anal, mouth, and throat cancer. It may also cause cancers of the cervix, vulva, and vagina in women and cancer of the penis in men. The HPV vaccination is important because it can prevent most cancers and diseases caused by HPV.
Can HPV cause diseases other than cancer? Yes, HPV can cause genital and anal warts which can also be prevented by the vaccine. These unsightly lesions can be treated but cause emotional distress and treatment is very uncomfortable.
Is there screening for these cancers? For women, screening is available to detect most cases of cervical cancers with a PAP smear but no screening exists for the other forms of HPV-related cancers Given this information, it becomes clear that prevention through administration of the HPV vaccination is important.
When should the vaccine be administered? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Pediatrics Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices recommends to start vaccinating boy and girls who are 11 or 12 years of age, to create the best immune response, along with tetanus diphtheria and acellular pertussis (TDAP)/ meningitis vaccination. This occurs around 7th grade.
What if my child is over 12? Long-term data has identified 11-12 as the op- timal age to administer the HPV vaccine; however, the vaccination series may be given to children 9-14 years old. The rec- ommended dosage for 9-14-year-olds is two doses, given six to 12 months apart. Children over 15 will require three doses: the initial administration, a second dose given 1-2 months later, and the third and final dose given six months after the third injection.
My child was light-headed after the shot; is this normal? Feeling light headed after any medical procedure is common. People often get nervous around medical procedures and their bodies tense up which can cause shallow breathing. To reduce this feeling, I recommend patients take slow deep breaths before a shot is administered or have them sit or lie down as the shot is given.
I heard the HPV vaccination causes infertility; is this true? The vaccination does not cause fertility issues. The HPV vaccine protects against cervical cancer and helps ensure a woman’s ability to get pregnant and have healthy babies.
The goal of the American Cancer Society is to vaccinate 80% of eligible preteens by 2020. Additionally, it is quite possible through education, awareness and support that cervical cancer, mainly caused by HPV, could be eliminated through vaccination.
Dr. “Sal” Salvatore Anzalone is a pediatric provider at Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida in Naples. He received his medical degree from the University of Florida and his pediatric training at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he also served as the chief pediatric resident. In addition to his role as a pediatric provider, Dr. Anzalone serves as the medical director of pediatrics for the entire organization.