Cervical Cancer Prevention HPV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Human papillomavirus is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types. More than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted. Most people who become infected with HPV will not have any symptoms and will clear the infection on their own. But, some of these viruses are called "high-risk" types. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. The highest infection rate occurs in adolescents and young adults. Gardasil is a new vaccine recommended for routine immunization for 11-12 year old girls. This recommendation's rationale is that the vaccine will have the greatest impact when given before girls are sexually active. Although the vaccine is very effective in preventing infection with the types of HPV included in the vaccine, it appears to have no effect on the outcome of an HPV infection already in progress. HPV vaccine is also recommended for older girls who have not been previously vaccinated, even if sexually active. Gardasil is recommended as part of a comprehensive program for the long-term health of adolescent and young adult females and as a means to prevent cervical cancer (Retrieved from the American Academy of Pediatrics, 2008). Gardasil is available through your child's primary care physician, Winnebago County Health Department, and through South Beloit Health Center (1-815-389-9252).
If YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION, click on the following WEBSITES: For the CDC Fact Sheet on Genital HPV Infections, click the following: http://www.cdc.gov/STD/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm For the American Academy of Pediatrics website, click the following: |
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| 1/09/12 | > | New Pediatric Acetaminophen Dosing Guidelines and Formulation | ||
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