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HPV Vaccine Essay

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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease and is the second most common cause of cancer among women. HPV is group of viruses that causes warts on mucosal surfaces like the cervix, rectum, anus, penis, vulva, and mouth or throat. This condition is associated with ovarian cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer.
According to CDC, “the HPV vaccine is recommended for preteen boys and girls at age 11 or 12 so they are protected before ever being exposed to the virus” (CDC, n.d). The vaccine is given in 3 dose series over a 6 months period. Girls and women ages 13 to 26 who have not vaccinated in past should get the 3 dose series as well as boys and men ages 13 to 21. It is essential to complete all the series to get the …show more content…

“Infection can be easily spread through direct sexual contact, from the skin and mucous membranes of infected people to the skin and mucous membranes of their partners” (NCI, 2015).
Some potential vaccine hesitancy includes parents’ beliefs and safety concerns over the vaccine. They are worried about the side effects of the vaccine. Parents should be given appropriate levels of HPV vaccine information and in-depth discussion before vaccination. Another factor that may influence their decision making is the cost of the vaccine. Low income people are less likely to immunize or complete the vaccine series, because they cannot afford to undergo a routine medical check-up and they cannot afford the cost of the 3 series dose vaccine.
Education is the key to preventing HPV infections. It is essential to educate the people to get vaccinated and to get their recommended screenings to reduce their risk of cancers caused by HPV infection. Vaccination programs are the most cost-effective public health intervention to prevent HPV infections. Although condoms do not fully protect them from acquiring the HPV infections, the use of condoms can reduce their risk and should be made available. Lastly, the best way to prevent HPV infections is by educating them to avoid sexual intercourse and any skin to skin

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