Dear Parent or Guardian:
The following information is
being provided to you at the direction of the Washington State Legislature to
help reduce cervical cancer rates in
Translations available at http://www.doh.wa.gov./cfh/immunize/schools.htm
What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
HPV is a very common virus
that is spread through genital contact.
At least 50 percent of sexually active people will get HPV at some time
in their lives. There are many types of HPV. Some types can cause cervical
cancer or genital warts. Both women and men can get HPV and easily spread it to
others without knowing they have it.
What are the symptoms of HPV?
Most people with HPV have no
signs or symptoms. Some people know they have HPV because they have a symptom
like genital warts. Women may find out
they have HPV through cervical cancer screening (Pap tests) and HPV testing.
Health care providers do not usually test for HPV unless abnormal cervical cell
changes are detected by a Pap test.
How can HPV infection be prevented?
The best way to prevent HPV
infection is to abstain from all sexual activity. People with only one lifetime
partner can get HPV if their partner had previous sexual partners. It is uncertain how well condoms protect
against HPV infection. However, condom users do have lower cervical cancer
rates. The HPV vaccine is a very effective way to prevent four types of HPV
that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts.
What is the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine, Gardasil, ® protects against four types of HPV which cause 70
percent of cervical cancers and 90 percent of genital warts. The vaccine does
not protect against all types of HPV or other sexually transmitted infections.
The vaccine also does not protect against any type of HPV that someone already
has. Current studies show that HPV vaccine protection lasts up to 5 years.
Research will continue to determine the length of the HPV vaccine’s protection.
Who should get the vaccine and when should they get
it?
The federal Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the HPV vaccine for all girls
age 11-12 years. The vaccine can also be given to females as young as nine and
up to 26 years, if their doctor recommends it.
HPV vaccine is given as a series of three shots over a six month period.
The vaccine is not currently recommended for boys or men. The HPV vaccine is a
preventive vaccine and will offer the best protection if given before sexual
activity starts. HPV vaccine is not required for school entry in
Are Pap tests still recommended for females that get
the HPV vaccine?
Yes. The HPV
vaccine does not protect against all of the types of HPV that can cause
cervical cancer, so females will still need Pap tests.
Where can I find the HPV vaccine?
Ask your doctor, nurse, or
local health clinic to find out whether your daughter needs the HPV vaccine and
where you can get it. Most providers in
For more information on HPV, the Vaccine, and Cervical
Cancer:
Centers for Disease Control
& Prevention www.cdc.gov/std/hpv
Washington State Department of
Health www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/immunize/documents/hpvvaccinefactsheet.pdf
American Social Health
Association www.ashastd.org
American
Cancer Society www.cancer.org