The Claim:
A tweeting lawyer claims that HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that rarely impacts health, stating that some kids would not benefit from the HPV vaccine.
The Facts:
Our tweeter is mistaken about both the health dangers of HPV and the benefits provided by vaccination. In the United States, HPV infection is extremely common; there are an estimated 14 million new cases every year. HPV is a deadly cancer-causing virus responsible for causing more than 37,000 cases of cervical, penile, anal, mouth, and throat cancers annually.
The vaccine is most effective when it is administered at 12-13 years of age, and the level of cancer protection it provides is significant. In one study, the HPV vaccine was shown to have a relative risk reduction of 87% in cervical cancer for 12-13-year-olds when compared with their unvaccinated counterparts. While some people are fearful that vaccinating for HPV will promote teenage sex, data shows that HPV vaccination does not increase sexual activity in teens. Although it’s hard to think about, it’s important to point out that even when children voluntarily abstain from sexual activity, the vaccine protects victims of nonconsensual sex from HPV infection as well.
Disclaimer: Science is always evolving and our understanding of these topics may have evolved too since this was originally posted. Be sure to check out our most recent posts and browse the latest Just the Facts Topics for the latest.
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