Educate parents about benefits of HPV vaccine, Experts warns

On Nov 3, 2021

Experts on Maternal Health in the United States under the umbrella of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) have asked healthcare professionals to educate parents on the benefits of vaccinating their adolescent girls and boys against the sexually transmitted Human papillomavirus.

The ACOG said Human papillomavirus popularly known as HPV causes significant morbidity and mortality in women and men.

According to a verified report from ACOG clinic, HPV is associated with anogenital cancer including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal and oropharyngeal cancers.

ACOG in clinical information published on its website concerning HPV vaccine urged gynecologists and other healthcare professionals to strongly recommend HPV vaccination to eligible patients, noting that the vaccine is safe and beneficial.

The maternal health specialists affirmed that the HPV vaccine significantly reduces the incidence of anogenital cancer and genital warts in women and men.

They stressed that healthcare professionals play a critical role in vaccination, noting that they should assess and vaccinate adolescent girls aged 11 to 12 years and previously unvaccinated young women during the catch-up period ages 13–26 years.

“Obstetricians and gynaecologists and other healthcare professionals should educate parents in their decision making regarding vaccinations for their daughters and sons.

“Human papillomavirus vaccines are among the most effective vaccines available worldwide, with unequivocal data demonstrating greater than 99 per cent efficacy when administered to women who have not been exposed to that particular type of HPV.

“Ideally, the HPV vaccine should be given in early adolescence because vaccination is most effective before exposure to HPV through sexual activity.

“Unvaccinated women age 26 years and younger should receive the HPV vaccine series regardless of sexual activity, prior exposure to HPV, or sexual orientation,” the clinic said.

The ACOG experts, noted that the HPV vaccination is not recommended during pregnancy.

They also added that the HPV vaccine could and should be given to breastfeeding women aged 26 years and younger women who have not previously been vaccinated.

In children with a history of sexual abuse or assault, they said the HPV vaccine should be given as early as possible, starting at age nine years.

Oluchi Okwuego/ punch/ACOG