Protect Yourself and Your Family with the HPV Vaccine

Around 13 million Americans become infected with the potentially cancer-causing human papillomavirus, or HPV, each year. Fortunately, the HPV vaccine can help protect you and your family.

“It’s the only vaccine we have that protects against cancer at this time,” said Dr. Judith Prairie, primary care physician at Family Care Center of Mooresville, a part of Iredell Health System.

HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Most HPV infections go away by themselves, but sometimes manifest as genital warts and cancers such as cervical and anal cancer. The Gardasil 9 vaccine is the best defense against HPV. This vaccine is generally safe for the entire family to receive.

“The age range for vaccination is typically nine to 45, but most of my patients get it around age 11. If a patient receives a dose of the HPV vaccine before their 15th birthday it cuts their immunization schedule down from three shots to two,” Prairie said.

Although most patients receive this life-saving vaccine as a child, it’s okay to catch up as an adult.

“If you miss a dose, you can absolutely catch up! The guidelines for dosing are just recommendations and you can catch up anytime,” explained Prairie.

Gardasil 9 is the only FDA approved HPV vaccine currently offered in the United States. According to the CDC, this vaccine has decreased new HPV infections in teens aged 14-19 by 86% and by 71% in women in their early 20s.

The vaccine is a first-line defense against cancer caused by HPV.

“It’s very safe and effective with minimal to no side effects. It’s the only vaccine we have that protects against cancer! That’s a win-win. There have been more than 135 million doses distributed in the U.S., and it has a reassuring safety record that’s backed by over 15 years of monitoring and research,” she said.

The HPV vaccine is not a substitute for regular cancer screenings but is an additional tool in the fight against infections and cancer. Talk to your primary care provider about protecting yourself and your family.

Dr. Judith Prairie is accepting new patients at Family Care Center of Mooresville. Call 704-360-6580 to schedule your appointment. For more information visit fccmooresville.com.