HPV VACCINE AGE RECOMMENDATION CHANGE
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved use of Gardasil 9, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, to include men and women through 45 years of age.
- The new recommendation does not change what is recommended for people ages 11 through 26. Children who start the series prior to their 15th birthday should receive two doses of the HPV vaccine, given during a six to twelve month period. Children starting the series at ages 15 or older should receive three doses of the vaccine given during a six month period.
- HPV vaccination has the potential to reduce 90 percent of HPV related diseases from even developing when the vaccine series is completed prior to a person being exposed to the virus.
- Only 18.6 percent of teenagers ages 13-17 in Mesa County have received three or more HPV vaccinations compared to 28.9 percent of 13-17 year olds in Colorado.
- Gardasil 9 prevents certain cancers and diseases caused by the nine HPV types covered by the vaccine.
- HPV is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact and can be spread through sexual contact – even if a person has no signs or symptoms.
- HPV can cause genital warts and cancers. HPV infection can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils.
- People in the newly approved age group should contact their insurance company to find out if their vaccination will be covered.
- If you don’t have insurance or aren’t sure where to get started, call the Mesa County Public Health Clinic at 248-6900. We serve all patients regardless of ability to pay.
- Click here to learn more about why it’s important for children to receive HPV vaccine.
For more information, visit health.mesacounty.us.