Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Update
The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. The vaccine is FDA-approved for use in girls and women, ages 9-26, and has been recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The vaccine, Gardasil®, protects against four types of HPV, which cause 70% of cervical cancers. It is given through a series of three shots over a six-month period.
New Yorkers who are interested in getting the HPV vaccine for themselves or their child should call their regular doctor to see if the vaccine is available. The HPV vaccine is available for girls 9-18 years at the Health Department immunization clinics.
For more information on the HPV vaccine, visit www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV-vaccine.htm.
A fact sheet on the vaccine is available at www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS/VIS-HPV.pdf.
