Jefferson County PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE

Public Health Facility, 531 Meade Street, Watertown, New York 13601 PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Faith Lustik Public Health Planner 315-786-3723

Males and Females Should Be Vaccinated Against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Watertown, N.Y., December 13, 2011 The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that males also be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine is already recommended for females between the ages of 9 and 26 to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States and is the cause of thousands of cancers in the US. Vaccines can protect males and females against some of the most common types of HPV that can lead to disease and cancer. These vaccines are given in three shots. It is important to get all three doses to get the best protection. The vaccines are most effective when given at 11 or 12 years of age. Boys and men: One available vaccine (Gardasil) protects males against most genital warts, throat cancers and anal cancers. This vaccine is available for boys and men, 9 through 26 years of age. o Girls and women: Two vaccines (Cervarix and Gardasil) are available to protect females against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. Either vaccine is recommended for 11 and 12 year-old girls, and for females 13 through 26 years of age, who did not get any or all of the shots when they were younger. These vaccines can also be given to girls beginning at 9 years of age.
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The HPV vaccine works by preventing four common HPV types, two that cause genital warts and two that cause cancers. It protects against new HPV infections; it does not cure existing HPV infections or disease. It is most effective when given before first sexual contact (i.e., before a person may be exposed to HPV). At least half of sexually active people in the United States will have HPV at some time in their lives. There are more than 40 types of HPV that are passed on through sexual contact. These types can infect the genital area, the mouth, and throat. Since HPV usually causes no symptoms, most men and women can get HPVand pass it onwithout realizing it. If you have a child that needs immunization or would like the immunization yourself, you can visit your medical provider or the Jefferson County Public Health Service (JCPHS) walk-in immunization clinic every Wednesday from 12:30-3:30pm at 531 Meade Street Watertown, NY. Due to New York State provided vaccine at JCPHS, those 18 and younger can receive the series for $15 and those 19-26 years of age can receive the series for $75. If you have any questions, you can call 786-3720 or visit our website at http://www.co.jefferson.ny.us/index.aspx?page=278 .

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