What is the recommended age to start receiving HPV vaccinations?

What is the recommended age to start receiving HPV vaccinations?

• A. Starting at 6 or 7 years of age
• B. Starting at 11 or 12 years of age
• C. Starting at 15 years of age
• D. Starting at 18 years of age

Answer: (B)

The recommended age to begin receiving HPV vaccinations is 11 or 12 years of age. This timing is strategic because it allows for vaccination before individuals become sexually active, maximizing the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing human papillomavirus-related cancers and diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that the HPV vaccine can be given starting at 9 years of age, but initiating the vaccination series at 11 or 12 helps ensure that children are protected before potential exposure to the virus. Starting the vaccination during these early adolescent years also aligns with routine immunization schedules, making it easier for healthcare providers and patients to implement this important preventive measure. The HPV vaccine can be given up to age 26 for those who weren't vaccinated earlier, but the strongest recommendations and most effective outcomes are linked with starting the series at the preteen age group.

The recommended age to begin receiving HPV vaccinations is 11 or 12 years of age. This timing is strategic because it allows for vaccination before individuals become sexually active, maximizing the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing human papillomavirus-related cancers and diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that the HPV vaccine can be given starting at 9 years of age, but initiating the vaccination series at 11 or 12 helps ensure that children are protected before potential exposure to the virus.

Starting the vaccination during these early adolescent years also aligns with routine immunization schedules, making it easier for healthcare providers and patients to implement this important preventive measure. The HPV vaccine can be given up to age 26 for those who weren't vaccinated earlier, but the strongest recommendations and most effective outcomes are linked with starting the series at the preteen age group.