HPV Vaccine; for Girls AND Boys

 Update: SPS did get back to me - the HPV vaccination is available at every health center in SPS.  Really good news.

end of update

I've noticed - in print and on tv - that the CDC is pushing the HPV vaccine with a new emphasis on the issues for boys as well as girls.

Official handout from the CDC.

Many people think the HPV vaccine only protects girls, but this vaccine protects boys against certain HPV-related cancers, too!

Girls aren’t the only ones affected by HPV, also known as human papillomavirus.  HPV is common in both males and females. Every year, over 9,000 males are affected by cancers caused by HPV infections that don’t go away. HPV can cause cancers of the anus, mouth/throat (oropharynx), and penis in males.

HPV vaccination is a series of shots given over several months. The best way to remember to get your child all of the shots they need is to make an appointment for the remaining shots before you leave the doctor’s office or clinic. 

HPV vaccine is recommended at ages 11-12 for two reasons:

1. HPV vaccine must be given before exposure to virus for it to be effective in preventing cancers and other diseases caused by HPV.
2. HPV vaccine produces a high immune response at this age.

If you haven’t already vaccinated your preteens and teens, it's not too late. Ask your child's doctor at their next appointment about getting HPV vaccine. The series is three shots over six months' time. Take advantage of any visit to the doctor—such as an annual health checkup or physicals for sports, camp, or college—to ask the doctor about what shots your preteens and teens need.

Families who need help paying for vaccines should ask their doctor or other healthcare professional about Vaccines for Children (VFC). The VFC program provides vaccines at no cost to children younger than 19 years who are uninsured, Medicaid-eligible, American Indian, or Alaska Native. For help in finding a local healthcare professional who participates in the program, parents can call 800-CDC-INFO or go to the Vaccines & Immunizations website.

There is no treatment for HPV infections. Only HPV-associated lesions including genital warts, RRP, precancers, and cancers are treated (101–103). Recommended treatments vary depending on the diagnosis, size, and location of the lesion. Local treatment of lesions might not eradicate all HPV containing cells fully; whether available therapies for HPV-associated lesions reduce infectiousness is unclear.

Vaccinating adults

Girls and women are recommended to get HPV vaccine through age 26, and boys and men through age 21. HPV vaccination is also recommended for gay and bisexual young men (or any young man who has sex with men) through age 26 and young men with weakened immune systems (including HIV) through age 26, if they did not start or finish the HPV vaccine series when they were younger.
 
Vaccines are especially critical for people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes Type 1 and Type 2.

I believe the health centers in every comprehensive high school have this vaccination available but I will double-check.