Discussing HPV vaccine shots

Since the vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) was introduced a year ago, 25 percent of teenage girls in the U.S. have started at least the first shot, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) teen vaccine study published in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer. The vaccine goes after four strains of HPV, two of which are the main culprits in 70 percent of cervical cancers. The vaccine is approved for use in all females ages 9 to 26, and is administered in three doses.

To provide maximum protection for teens, health experts recommend administration of the vaccine before teenage girls become sexually active — that is, when they are ages 11 to 12.

The CDC gathered the data in a telephone survey where parents of 3,000 teen girls answered questions about the vaccination histories of their children and authorized the CDC to further verify the information with the respective doctors. Only teens between ages 13 and 17 were included in the survey.

The CDC views the 25 percent usage rate of the vaccine as encouraging. It normally takes about seven years to achieve a 90 percent reach — the target coverage for most vaccination programs, including the HPV vaccine — so the 25 percent coverage in one year is a very positive development.

The higher 90 percent target coverage aims to reduce deaths due to cervical cancer. Roughly 4,000 females in the U.S. die each year due to this disease.

Despite the usefulness of the vaccine, doctors believe many parents remain cautious about the risks and safety of recently developed vaccines. There are unanswered questions whether vaccination results in lifetime immunity or if it will require booster shots.

There may be one other cause for concern: the vaccine is expensive, at about $375. But parents should know that 90 percent of health insurers cover the cost. But for those without health insurance or whose insurer does not cover it, the CDC says the Vaccines for Children Program will shoulder the cost of vaccinations of teens up to their 19th birthday.

The CDC also reported increased coverage of teens in two other vaccination programs: the vaccine against meningitis and against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, which causes whooping cough (Tdap).

The meningococcal vaccination coverage rate among teens rose to 32.4 percent in 2007 from 11.7 percent in 2006 while the Tdap vaccination coverage increased to 30.4 percent from only 10.8 percent in 2006.

Meningitis can be fatal. Whooping cough is not fatal among teenagers, but infected teens can spread it to infants and older people who are more vulnerable.

Safety Tips:

* Encourage teen girls starting age 9 (and adult women up to 26 years old) to get the HPV vaccine shots.

* Have preteens and teens undergo routine medical checkups. Be familiar with their vaccination histories.