Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.
It is most common in men and women in their late teens and early twenties. Because there are no symptoms for many types of HPV, it's easily transmitted. HPV can lead to cervical, mouth and throat cancer.
Gardasil, the HPV vaccine, is given to children as young as nine. Stimulating the immune response through the vaccine can protect kids before they commence sexual activity. Boys and girls who are 11 or 12 should be vaccinated twice, six months apart. If your child isn’t vaccinated until age 15, three vaccines are needed at six months apart. It can be given as late as 23 years old, but will not cure any earlier exposure to HPV.
A Pap smear is a test to look for early signs of cervical cancer. It is recommended that the first Pap now be done at 21. Based on individual health and sexual activity, Pap tests should be performed every two to three years. Adults who have not been vaccinated are likely to test positive for HPV due to unprotected sexual intercourse. The type of HPV exposure (low or high risk) is undetermined with a positive result.
Talking to Your Child About HPV
Taking every opportunity you can to talk about health, wellness or safety with your child goes a long way. It can be a short chat during an activity. Start talking to your child as early as you can to normalize discussions.
Listen as Dr. Margaret Stager joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the importance of the HPV vaccine.
Selected Podcast
Encore Episode: HPV: Getting Your Child Vaccinated
Featuring:
Dr. Margaret Stager is the Director of the Division of Adolescent Medicine at MetroHealth Medical Center, a teaching hospital for the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
She obtained her medical degree from the State University of Buffalo, New York, School of Medicine; completed a Pediatric Residency at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio; and completed an Adolescent Medicine Fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Margaret Stager, MD
Dr. Margaret Stager is the Director of the Division of Adolescent Medicine at MetroHealth Medical Center, a teaching hospital for the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She obtained her medical degree from the State University of Buffalo, New York, School of Medicine; completed a Pediatric Residency at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio; and completed an Adolescent Medicine Fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital.
As Director of the Division of Adolescent Medicine, Dr. Stager is responsible for the teaching and training of medical students and residents in the practice of Adolescent Medicine. The Adolescent Medicine Clinic serves teens and young adults from ages 12-26 years and includes services such as annual medical exams, sports physicals, reproductive health care, screening for drug and alcohol problems, diagnosis of eating disorders, identifying mental health disorders, management of teen obesity, and other common adolescent conditions such as acne, asthma, and allergies.
Dr. Stager’s research interests include safety and efficacy trials for teen vaccines such as the HPV vaccine; type-2 diabetes; DepoProvera contraception, and the effect of text messaging on improving vaccination rates.
Dr. Stager has held leadership positions both regionally and nationally. Currently she serves on the Adolescent Health Committee for the Ohio AAP and is an active member for the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine. She is past President of the Women’s Faculty School of Medicine Organization at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, past Interim Chair of the MetroHealth Department of Pediatrics, and holds positions on national committees such as the Executive Committee of the Section of Adolescent Health and the HPV vaccine Advisory Panel of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Dr. Stager’s research interests include safety and efficacy trials for teen vaccines such as the HPV vaccine; type-2 diabetes; DepoProvera contraception, and the effect of text messaging on improving vaccination rates.
Dr. Stager has held leadership positions both regionally and nationally. Currently she serves on the Adolescent Health Committee for the Ohio AAP and is an active member for the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine. She is past President of the Women’s Faculty School of Medicine Organization at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, past Interim Chair of the MetroHealth Department of Pediatrics, and holds positions on national committees such as the Executive Committee of the Section of Adolescent Health and the HPV vaccine Advisory Panel of the American Academy of Pediatrics.