Each year in the U.S. about 36,000 people are diagnosed with cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, mouth or throat cancers caused by Human Papilloma Virus. These cancers can be difficult to treat and can result in infertility, disability, severe pain and death.
Eighty million people living in the U.S. are infected with HPV. Children today have a nearly 50% chance of being infected at some point in their lifetime if not vaccinated. Among vaccinated women, the percentage of cervical precancers caused by HPV has dropped by 40%.
The American Cancer Society, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the CDC, and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend HPV vaccination to prevent HPV-associated cancers. Boys and girls should receive the HPV series between ages 9-12. Children and young adults ages 13-26 who have not been fully vaccinated should finish the series. Adults up to 45 years old may also request vaccination.
The HPV vaccination is one of the safest vaccinations ever licensed, and prevents over 90% of HPV-related cancers. Side effects are often mild and go away quickly. The vaccine cannot cause HPV infection or cancer.
Vaccination rates have declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, placing communities at risk for vaccine preventable illnesses. All children are eligible to receive recommended vaccinations, and insurance programs are legally required to cover them under the Affordable Care Act. Children without insurance coverage can receive them at no charge through the CDC Vaccines for Children Program.
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Chihak practices pediatric hematology/oncology; Mauriello' specialty is pediatric infectious disease; and Syverson specializes in pediatric rheumatology.
This letter does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Forum's editorial board nor Forum ownership.
