HPV is very common. In fact, it is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US. HPV is so common that nearly all sexually-active men and women will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives. Most people never know that they have been infected and may give HPV to a partner without knowing it.
A potential answer to this problem is HPV vaccines. HPV vaccines work extremely well. Clinical trials showed the vaccines provided close to 100% protection against pre-cancers and for HPV4, genital warts. Since the vaccine was first recommended in 2006, there has been a 56% reduction in HPV infections among teen girls in the US, even with very low HPV vaccination rates. Recently, Gardasil 9 was approved by the FDA, which now covers nine HPV types (five more HPV types than the original Gardasil). Gardasil 9 has the potential to prevent approximately 90 percent of cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers (not to mention various cancers of the mouth and throat).
However, the question remains why are HPV vaccination rates so low, and should be put public health policies in place to improve them?
After reviewing the weblinks, weigh in with your thoughts on potential policy tools and processes for improving HPV and related cancer outcomes. What are the potential strengths and weaknesses of these tools/processes? Are there any proposed or passed legislative initiatives that you would support? Defend your response. Posts should be thoughtful, insightful, and a minimum of 250-500 words. These posts should add significant substance to the conversation and clearly reference (i.e. cite) information from current textbook chapter readings/lectures (please follow current APA guidelines for your in-text citations and references).
Jermaine Byrant
Nicole Johnson
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