This article is an abridged version of an opinion article in the Wyoming Tribune Eagle by Dr. Joseph Horam of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming published on January 26, 2020.
Human Papillomavirus
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus with about 14 million new infections each year in the United States. HPV is a significant health concern. It easily transfers from intimate sexual contact. Fortunately, the HPV vaccine, Gardisil, has been available to offer protection and prevention of disease since 2006. In 2015, Gardisil 9 provided more viral strain coverage and is the only product currently available in the United States.
What is the purpose of the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine prevents a number of diseases, most importantly a variety of cancers. About 33,700 cancers per year are caused by the human papillomavirus. Cervical cancer is most common. Nearly 100% of cervical cancer is caused by HPV. Gardisil 9 has the potential to prevent most cases of cervical cancer. Genital warts are not a cancer but can be very difficult to treat and may spread over a large area. The vaccine can prevent most of these infections. Thankfully, our immune system works hard at controlling HPV, however many individuals remain at risk. The key is to supplement our immune system with vaccine protection.
Who can get the vaccine?
The vaccine is recommended for everyone. Early vaccination is essential for antibody protection before exposure occurs by sexual activity. The vaccine is recommended for anyone as early as 9 years of age. The HPV vaccine can be provided along with Tdap booster and meningococcal vaccine at 11-12 years. HPV vaccination is approved to 26 years of age. The FDA has recently allowed HPV from 27-to-45 years of age; however, the benefits of prevention decrease with age. Both males and females require vaccination to reduce the virus burden and prevent cancers.
Why do parents hesitate to get their child vaccinated?
There has been misinformation and unnecessary alarms about many vaccines. Parents should know the HPV vaccine is safe and effective. Minor local side effects may occur. Research shows the vaccine works more than 97% of the time to prevent the viral strains included. The HPV vaccine does not cause infection or cancer.
What do you recommend?
I support the early vaccination of our youth by 11-12 years of age. A two-dose series is required under 15 years of age and increases to a three-dose series after 15 years because of reduced immune responsiveness.
What are health-related reasons not to get the vaccine?
None, outside of rare allergic reactions to the vaccine components.
Why has there been so much controversy?
New vaccine acceptance takes time. Gardisil, the first HPV vaccine, did not have much appeal for prevention against the STD. Gardisil 9 is messaged to prevent cancer caused by the STD. Medical experts influence change and in recent years have provided much more education in support of the HPV vaccine. Public awareness about human papillomavirus is improving. Don’t Hesitate, Vaccinate!
Dr. Joseph Horam: Univ of Colorado School of Medicine 1987, Pediatric Resident at Tripler Army Medical Center 1990, Pediatrician at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center and Cheyenne Children’s Clinic since 1994 and Medical Director BlueCross BlueShield of Wyoming since 2014.
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