Dear Doc: I’ve heard about HPV—I know it’s a sexually transmitted disease, and can cause some health problems, but not much more. I have a 12-year-old daughter, and her pediatrician wants to give her the HPV vaccine. This makes me really uncomfortable. What is HPV? How important is it to get a vaccination? Is it safe for my child?
-Capt. Concerned
Dear Capt. Concerned,
You’re not alone! While many people have heard of human papillomavirus, or HPV, a recent study from the American Association for Cancer Research found U.S. adults are less aware of the link between HPV and certain cancers.
We reached out to an expert to answer your questions: Dr. Margaret Ryan is the medical director of the Defense Health Agency’s Immunization Health Division in the Pacific Region. She is a vaccine expert with a background in preventive medicine and infectious disease.
Dr. Ryan said,
Thanks for asking these great questions. I understand your concern, but please know that HPV vaccines are safe and effective. I confidently recommend HPV vaccination for my patients, and for my own children. HPV vaccination prevents very serious health problems, including certain cancers. When people become fully vaccinated before exposure to HPV, they may maintain protection against these specific health threats for the rest of their lives.
What is HPV?
HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses that can cause lesions on the skin or mucus membranes, the lining of the mouth or genital areas….
