**ACPeds Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Update**
The latest HPV vaccine on the market, Gardasil 9 helps protect against 9 different strains of the Human Papillomavirus and prevents 74% of HPV cancers. It is also estimated that the vaccine will prevent 90% of anogenital warts caused by HPV viruses.
However, the HPV vaccine trademarked by MERCK prior to FDA approval of Gardasil 9, Gardasil only protects against 4 HPV types and prevents 64% of HPV-associated cancers and 90% of anogenital warts. The original Gardasil is still available so parents who would prefer to have the broader coverage of Gardasil 9 should inquire about which vaccine their provider is using. Click here for the full update.
ACPeds supports offering HPV vaccination at adolescent well-child visits, but does not endorse mandatory HPV vaccination for school attendance because infection is acquired solely through sexual activity.
All adolescents, including those who receive the HPV vaccine, should be warned of the many
mental, physical and social health risks associated with adolescent sexual activity which are not eliminated by the HPV vaccine.
In cooperation with parents, adolescent can successfully delay sexual debut until marriage. Research shows that in recent years, an increasing number of teens are successfully choosing to wait for sex.
The image below links to a 2 minute
video for teens that highlights health risks associated with teen sexual activity like STIs, teen pregnancy, unwanted emotional entanglements, depression and suicidal thoughts. The main idea of the video is that '
waiting for sex is a decision packed with positive benefits' and even if a teen has "already had sex, it's not too late to decide to wait to have sex again."
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