Why does gardasil have an age limit

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But if a person has one strain of the disease, getting vaccinated will protect against other strains, which may include the high-risk forms. I weighed some of these factors after I was divorced.

I decided it made sense to get lifelong protection. So I got the vaccine as a man in my early 40s. Newly diagnosed cases of sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise among older people, meaning that sexual activity when older is not free of risk. HPV among unvaccinated older people could very likely be rising as well. For the rest of the population, this is an incredibly safe and helpful vaccine. The benefits far outweigh any potential risks, which have proven to be negligible.

There have been concerns that supplies of the vaccine may be in low in some countries where rates of HPV and cervical cancer are particularly high, such as in many parts of Latin America. However, there is plenty of vaccine in the United States.

Pharmaceutical markets are not that simple. One of the most serious drawbacks to getting the vaccine later in life is cost. The CDC recommends all boys and girls get the HPV vaccine between the ages of 11 and 12, the age for optimal protection.

They should get two shots, six to 12 months apart. In fact, patients 15 and older should receive three shots over the course of six months to receive the same benefit. The bottom line: All males and females ages 9—26 should get the HPV vaccine. HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. If the body doesn't clear the virus, it can cause cancer. Studies also have shown the best immune response is achieved when the vaccine is given to pre-teens, rather than older males and females.

While the vaccine works best in younger patients, men and women up to age 45 should consider getting vaccinated. The vaccine protects against nine different strains of HPV, so even if you have already be exposed to one, it could still protect you against others. Women ages 21 to 29 should have a Pap test every three years to check for abnormal cells that could lead to cervical cancer. Women ages 30 to 64 should have an HPV and Pap test every five years or a Pap test every three years.

Currently, there is no HPV test for men.