(CMR) The Public Health Department said the Gardasil 9 vaccine, which is given to prevent certain cancers and diseases caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), is now available.
Gardasil 9 is a vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the prevention of HPV-related cancers and diseases. The vaccine is highly effective in protecting against HPV types that cause various cancers, such as cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers, as well as genital warts.
“Ensuring the health and well-being of our community is our top priority. The availability of Gardasil 9 vaccine at our Public Health Department emphasizes our commitment to providing preventative measures against HPV-related diseases and cancers,” said Dr Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, Director of Primary Healthcare Services at the HSA.
The Gardasil 9 vaccine is recommended for both males and females, ideally administered between the ages of 9 and 26. However, individuals up to age 45 may benefit from vaccination as well, depending on individual circumstances and discussions with their healthcare provider.
The Public Health Department encourages parents and guardians to speak with their healthcare providers about the importance of HPV vaccination for their children. Additionally, adults within the recommended age range are urged to discuss vaccination with their healthcare provider to determine if Gardasil 9 is right for them.
“We believe in the power of prevention, and the Gardasil 9 vaccine is a significant tool in reducing the burden of HPV-related cancers and diseases in our community. We encourage everyone eligible for vaccination to take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones,” added Dr. Williams-Rodriguez.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. More than 50% of sexually active people will get HPV at some time in their lives, though most will never even know it. It is most common in people in their late teens and early 20s.
There are about 40 types of HPV that can infect the genital areas of men and women. Most HPV types cause no symptoms and go away on their own. But some types can cause pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions of the cervix, vagina and vulva, as well as genital warts.
Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women around the world. There is no treatment for HPV infection, although the conditions it causes can be treated.
The HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for girls and boys 11-12 years of age because of their robust immune systems. It can, however, be given to them as young as 9 years.
It is important for persons to get the HPV vaccine before their first sexual contact. For these individuals, the vaccine can prevent almost 100% of diseases caused by the 9 types of HPV targeted by the vaccine.
If an individual is already infected with a type of HPV, the vaccine will not prevent disease from that type.
For more information about the Gardasil 9 vaccine and vaccination services available at the Public Health Department, please contact 244-2648.
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