HPV Vaccine

HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus, is a common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI or STD)responsible for causing health problems, such as genitals warts and cancer. The type of HPV determines the type of health problem. For years, HPV has been targeted with vaccines. Gardasil and Cervarix are the two brands of HPV vaccines discussed today. Getting the HPV Vaccine is not like getting a tetanus shot; it's recommended that you get a tetanus shot every 10 years. However, like the tetanus vaccine, both men and women receive HPV vaccinations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that males get vaccinated between the ages 9-26 years old with the brand Gardasil, which protects against most genital warts. On the other hand, females should get vaccinated between the ages of 13-26 years old, although they may also be vaccinated as early as 9 years old with the Cervarix brand. CDC advises that males and females complete all three doses of vaccinations prior to becoming sexually active, in order to gain the best protection against HPV.