What is the HPV vaccine, and who should get it?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the cause of cervical cancer. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and the vaccine contains the four strains most commonly linked to cervical cancer. Studies have shown that use of the vaccine will decrease the chance that a woman will get cervical cancer. As such, the vaccine must be given before the first sexual contact. Unfortunately, girls are having sexual intercourse at younger and younger ages. The CDC recommends that girls receive the three-shot series beginning at age 11 years. Adult women who have not received the vaccine should do so up to 26 years of age. After 26 years of age, it is believed that most women would have been exposed to the virus and the vaccine would be of no use. For specific guidance, please refer to Table 4 for adolescents or Tables 5A-5D for adults. What is the meningococcal vaccine, and who should receive it? Meningococcal disease is a serious acute illness caused by a bacterium. Patients can develop meningi
