HPV Vaccine Recommended by the Committee on Infectious Diseases for both males and females

In an effort to keep all of our blog readers informed on the most up-to-date public health information, we would like to share a very informative journal article from The American Academy of Pediatrics.

The journal abstract states:

"On October 25, 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (Gardasil; Merck & Co, Inc, Whitehouse Station, NJ) be used routinely in males. The American Academy of Pediatrics has reviewed updated data provided by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on vaccine efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness as well as programmatic considerations and supports this recommendation. This revised statement updates recommendations for human papillomavirus immunization of both males and females."

The article highlights several recommendations including:

1. Girls 11 through 12 years of age should be immunized routinely with 3 doses of HPV4 or HPV2, administered intramuscularly at 0, 1 to 2, and 6 months. The vaccines can be administered starting at 9 years of age at the discretion of the physician.

2. All girls and women 13 through 26 years of age who have not been immunized previously or have not completed the full vaccine series should complete the series.

3. Boys 11 through 12 years of age should be immunized routinely with 3 doses of HPV4, administered intramuscularly at 0, 1 to 2, and 6 months. The vaccine can be given starting at 9 years of age at the discretion of the physician.

Of course, we would like for you to check out the article in it's entirety, to read the article from the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, click on the following link: 

http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/pediatrics;129/3/602.pdf

We hope that you find this journal article informative, and please do share with us what you think of these new recommendations.