A vaccine to prevent cancer

Good news for many parents and their children: Children can get protection against cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV) infections with only two doses of HPV vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that this vaccine schedule, down from three doses, still provides children with safe, effective and long-lasting protection. “Safe, effective and long-lasting protection against HPV cancers with two visits instead of three means more Americans will be protected from cancer,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H.

The first HPV vaccine dose is routinely recommended at 11 to 12 years old. Generally, preteens receive HPV vaccine at the same time as whooping cough and meningitis vaccines. The second dose of the vaccine should be administered six to 12 months after the first. “This recommendation will make it simpler for parents to get their children protected in time,” says Dr. Frieden.

Teens and young adults who start the series at ages 15 through 26 years will continue to need three doses of HPV vaccine to protect against cancer-causing HPV infections.

Adolescents ages 13–14 are also able to receive HPV vaccination on the new 2-dose schedule.

Three doses are recommended for people with weakened immune systems ages 9 to 26.

A look at one woman’s story shows why this is important: “I was diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 25,” said Tamika Felder. “The most difficult part for me was definitely accepting that I could lose my life, that I might not make it. I had everything that I thought that made me a woman removed, and it was devastating for me. It changed my life forever. I want parents to know that they can protect their children from ever going through HPV-related cancer.” For further facts on HPV and cancer, visit www.cdc.gov/hpv. —NAPS