To HPV Or Not To HPV, That Is The Question

VALHALLA, N.Y. -- If someone were to tell you that just by giving your young child a shot they could decrease their chance of developing cancer later in life, would you do do it? The treatment does exits, but surprisingly, the answer to that question has been 'no'.

Despite preventing several forms of cancer, the HPV vaccines is not being advocated by many physicians.
Photo Credit: *WMC*

John Haffey

Content Partner: Westchester Medical Center

Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the use of Gardasil 9 as one of three human papillomavirus vaccines that can be used in routine vaccination for children ages 11 or 12. Tests show that by administering the vaccine to preteen girls, doctors were able to prevent 99 percent of cervical pre-cancers, according to the committee’s report. However, parents and doctors aren't lining up to be treated.

Dr. Sheila Nolan, Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, is working to change that. “It really is a very important vaccine,” says Dr. Nolan. “Why would you let your children get cancer if you had a way to prevent it?”

To learn about the vaccination, continue reading here.