Chapter 23.4, Problem 2CF

Summary Introduction

To describe:

The rates of HPV vaccination in the United States.

Concept introduction:

Apart from warts, four strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) also cause cervical cancer in women and oropharyngeal cancer in men. A vaccine called “Gardasil” provides protection against all four of these strains, and the vaccine “Cervarix” protects against two of these strains.

In 2013, it was reported that the cervical cancer cases have reduced by 56% after the introduction of vaccines. It is recommended that all women and men between the ages of 14-26 years old should get vaccinated against HPV.

Summary Introduction

To describe:

The reason for reluctance by parents for vaccinating their children against HPV.

Concept introduction:

As reported by CDC, almost every second student in high-school has indulged in sexual activity. Majority of these students acquire HPV during their first sexual indulgence, and so there’s a high risk of exposure to HPV infections among young individuals. Hence, it is recommended that all women and men between the ages of 14-26 years old should get vaccinated against HPV with vaccines like Gardasil and Cervarix.