If a vaccine could prevent your children from developing some forms of cancer later in life, would you have them get the vaccination?

You would think that most people would answer in the affirmative, but that doesn’t seem to the case with the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination.

According to statistics from the Oregon Health Authority, Harney County has the fourth-worst HPV vaccination rate in the state, 27 percent, for adolescents age 13-17.

Jolene Cawlfield of the Harney County Health Department stated that, at one time, the medical field wasn’t sure what caused cervical cancer. A few years down the road, it was determined that HPV was the cause, and a vaccine, targeting females, was developed.

After more studies, it was found that HPV was responsible for other cancers as well, including vulvar, vaginal, penile, and anal cancers. It was also found that HPV can cause some forms of oral cancer, previously thought to be caused by other factors, including tobacco. With the new studies, it was recommended that males also receive the HPV vaccination.

The HPV vaccination is not a cure for the cancers, but it is 97 percent effective at preventing infection with the types of HPV that cause most HPV cancers when given before your child is exposed to the virus. Plus, having your child protected also protects others from getting the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost every person who engages in sexual activity will acquire HPV at some time in their life without HPV vaccination. The CDC states that, “About 14 million Americans, including teens, become infected with HPV each year. While most HPV infections will go away on their own, infections that don’t go away can cause certain types of cancer in men and women.” (www.cdc.gov/hpv/infographics/vacc-six-reasons.html)

CDC also reports that since the HPV vaccination was introduced more than 10 years ago, HPV infections have dropped signi-ficantly. Infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 71 percent among teen girls.

The HPV vaccine is most effective when started at age 11 or 12, and the series should be completed by age 13. Children are vaccinated before they’re exposed to the infection, just like a measles or pneumonia vaccination. Contrary to what some may believe, receiving the HPV vaccine does not encourage or allow children to engage in sexual activity earlier in life. Studies have shown there is no correlation between receiving the HPV vaccine and increased, or earlier engagement in, sexual activity.

Children ages 9-10 may also receive the vaccination, but the cancer protection decreases as age at vaccination increases, with 26 being the maximum age for effectiveness.

Cervical cancer is the only type of HPV-caused cancer for which there is a recommended screening test, but even with screening, there are about 13,000 women in the U.S. diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. The screening can detect cervical precancers, which may require additional invasive testing and treatment, while the HPV vaccination can prevent most of this.

Yes, the HPV vaccine is safe. Scientists from both the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to monitor and report any adverse events and side effects related to HPV vaccines. Monitoring in 2009 revealed that most side effects related to the vaccine were mild and similar to those seen with any other vaccine. The most common side effects are pain, redness, and/or swelling at the site of injection. Very rarely, more serious side effects such as anaphylactic (allergic) reaction can occur, usually if a person is allergic to an ingredient in the vaccine, such as yeast. (CDC)

Also according to the CDC, there are no data to suggest that getting the HPV vaccine will have a negative effect on future fertility. In fact, getting vaccinated and protecting against cervical cancer can help protect a woman’s ability to get pregnant and have healthy babies.

HPV is so common that almost everyone will be exposed at some point in their lives. So even if a child delays sexual activity until marriage, or only has one partner in the future, they could still be exposed if their partner was exposed.

The current HPV vaccine targets nine different strains of HPV, and is for both males and females. Vaccinations are available at the Harney County Health Department and the High Desert Medical Center, and all insurance companies cover the cost.

For more information regarding the HPV vaccination, contact the Harney County Health Department at 541-573-2271.