The week of Aug. 6-12 is Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Week, and the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department reminds community members that it is important to catch up on cancer prevention with the HPV vaccine, especially for youth.
HPVs are a group of more than 150 related viruses that can lead to certain types of cancer later in life. Infection with HPV is common.
According to the American Cancer Society, eight out of 10 people will get HPV at some point in their lives.
In most people, the body is able to clear the infection on its own, but sometimes the infection doesn’t go away. Chronic, or long-lasting infection, especially when it’s caused by certain high-risk HPV types, can cause cancer over time.
While there is no treatment for the virus itself, there are treatments for the health problems HPV can cause, and there is a vaccine that can prevent transmission and protect against six cancers if initiated prior to exposure to HPV.
“The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department affirms our commitment to work towards the elimination of HPV-related cancer in our communities,” said Dr. Henning Ansorg, Public Health Officer. “If your child is between ages 9 and 12, talk to their doctor about the HPV vaccine.
“The vaccine is safe, effective, and long-lasting. Getting the HPV vaccine at the recommended age will protect your child from head and neck cancer, as well as cervical cancer in their adulthood.”
The American Cancer Society recommends boys and girls get vaccinated against HPV between the ages of 9 and 12 to help prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by the six HPV types of cancer later in life.
The HPV vaccination works best when given and completed before age 13. Teens and young adults ages 13 through 26 years who have not been vaccinated, or who have not yet received all of their shots, should get the vaccine as soon as possible.
Vaccination of young adults will not prevent as many cancers as vaccination of children and teens. This is because the HPV vaccine series is most effective when given prior to exposure to HPV.
Recommended steps to take are:
- Use the American Cancer Society HPV Webpage to learn the facts about the HPV vaccine and how it can help protect your child from six types of cancer later in life.
- Call your child’s doctor to schedule an appointment or request the HPV vaccine at your child’s well visit.
- If you have any questions about the HPV vaccine, write them down and take them to your child’s doctor visit.
Most health plans are required to cover recommended vaccines at all ages without charging a deductible or co-payment. Any child without coverage should be able to get vaccinations without a financial burden.
Parents can contact their health care provider or the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Immunization Program for information about the Vaccines for Children Program, which provides free vaccines to eligible kids.