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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Some health effects caused by HPV can be prevented by the HPV vaccines. Many healthcare providers now offer an HPV Vaccine. Because HPV is a virus, it cannot be cured once it has been established. This is why prevention through vaccination has become the focus for this issue in the medical community.

Laurel Health CRNP, Angela Dixon, sees HPV cases often in the office, and is a big proponent of receiving the vaccine. Angela recommends that anyone (male or female) between the ages of 9 and 26 should be vaccinated. Some of the effects and signs of the virus include: genital warts, pre-cervical cancer cells, and head/neck cancer that occurs years later and is found to be HPV. Angela advises that once these symptoms are showing, it is too late for the vaccine to help. The vaccine is purely preventative, and cannot help those who already have HPV.

Along with seeing it first hand in her office, Angela shared the CDC’s statistic that 80% of people will experience an HPV infection in their lifetime. Because of the high amount of cases and probability, Angela’s professional opinion favors everyone receiving the vaccine. When asked about the concern with the vaccine itself (whether it is safe, healthy, etc.) Angela replied, “You know, I see a lot of kids here, and I think definitely that the benefits out way any risk.”

For more information about the HPV vaccine, or the Human Papillomavirus in general, contact your local Laurel Health Center. Contact information and clinic locations can be found here: https://laurelhc.org.