The human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a group of viruses that include more than 120 types. Contracting HPV infections can cause complications further on in life, such as genital warts and cancer. HPV type 16 and 18 have the most potential for causing cancer. The most common type of cancer that develops in women is cervical cancer while oropharyngeal cancer is the most common type of cancer to develop in men who have previously been infected with HPV. HPV is now considered the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States as reported by the CDC. Fourteen million U.S. citizens contract HPV each year.

Vaccination with Gardasil-9 will protect your child from several different types of HPV, including the common cancer-causing types. Gardasil-9 is recommended routinely for children who are 11 or 12 but can be started as early as 9 years old. Females and males can receive the vaccine series up to 26 years old. Gardasil-9 consists of a series of either two or three vaccinations depending on what age the first dose was received. Only two doses are recommended for those who start the series at age 11 or 12. Three doses are recommended for those who start the series at 15 years or older. Help protect your child from developing future infections and potentially developing cancer later on in life. Come visit us at Sweetgrass Pharmacy and Compounding to start the Gardasil-9 vaccine series for your child today!

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents Aged 18 Years or Younger, United States, 2018; February 6, 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV Vaccination Information for Clinicians; December 20, 2016. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/hcp/need-to-know.pdf.