CHENANGO COUNTY – The HPV vaccine is important because it is safe and protects against cancers that are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a very common virus that infects one in four people in the United States and causes approximately 33,700 cancers in men and women.

According to the CDC, “HPV vaccination can prevent most of the cancers (an estimated 31,200) from ever developing.” It is amazing there is a vaccine that can help prevent cancer. Who and when should someone be vaccinated?

The HPV vaccine is currently approved for use in people between the ages of 9-26, however, it is highly recommended that your child receive the series between ages 11-12 because the body has a better immune response to the vaccine in the preteen years. If your teen has not received the HPV vaccine yet, talk to their doctor about getting it as soon as possible.

When choosing to learn about this vaccine or any vaccine, please remember to choose reliable resources. Certain documents online may look like real news or real studies; however fake news has a way of spreading throughout the internet creating havoc for those who are trying to find science based information. If you have any questions about vaccinations you can talk to your provider, call Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660, or check out the CDC at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html.

Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

– Submitted by the Chenango County Health Department