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| | The '''HPV vaccine''' is a product developed by [[Merck]] under the brand name Gardasil, and it protects against a few strains of a sexually transmitted disease. Specifically, this vaccine protects against types 6, 11, 16 and 18 of the human papillomavirus | | The '''HPV vaccine''' is a product developed by [[Merck]] under the brand name Gardasil, and it protects against a few strains of a sexually transmitted disease. Specifically, this vaccine protects against types 6, 11, 16 and 18 of the human papillomavirus |
| − | (HPV), which is transmitted only by sexual contact with a partner. HPV types 16 and 18 together cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers. <ref>National Cancer Institute: Human Papillomaviruses and Cancer: Questions and Answers [http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV]</ref> | + | (HPV), which is transmitted only by sexual contact with a partner. HPV types 16 and 18 together are found in about 70 percent of cervical cancers. <ref>National Cancer Institute: Human Papillomaviruses and Cancer: Questions and Answers [http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV]</ref> |
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| | Only about 3% of women are infected in their lifetime by these four types of HPV (Types 6, 11, 16, 18) targeted by the vaccine.<ref>This was confirmed by a study published February 28, 2007 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, JAMA 297(8):813-819, February 28, 2007.</ref> | | Only about 3% of women are infected in their lifetime by these four types of HPV (Types 6, 11, 16, 18) targeted by the vaccine.<ref>This was confirmed by a study published February 28, 2007 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, JAMA 297(8):813-819, February 28, 2007.</ref> |
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| | A 100% effective means of protection against the same disease is freely available, and it is [[abstinence]]. The National Cancer Institute notes that "The surest way to eliminate risk for genital HPV infection is to refrain from any genital contact with another individual." <ref>National Cancer Institute: Human Papillomaviruses and Cancer: Questions and Answers [http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV]</ref> | | A 100% effective means of protection against the same disease is freely available, and it is [[abstinence]]. The National Cancer Institute notes that "The surest way to eliminate risk for genital HPV infection is to refrain from any genital contact with another individual." <ref>National Cancer Institute: Human Papillomaviruses and Cancer: Questions and Answers [http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV]</ref> |
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| − | Routine pap smears are an inexpensive and easy way to detect cervical cancer early. <ref>MayoClinic.com: Pap smear: Screening test for cervical cancer: Understand the importance of the Pap smear, including how it's done, what it means when it's abnormal and why it needs to be part of your regular health checkups. [http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pap-smear/HQ01177]</ref> | + | Routine pap smears are an inexpensive and easy way to detect cervical cancer early so that it can be treated.<ref>MayoClinic.com: Pap smear: Screening test for cervical cancer: Understand the importance of the Pap smear, including how it's done, what it means when it's abnormal and why it needs to be part of your regular health checkups. [http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pap-smear/HQ01177]</ref> |
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| | The [[Association of American Physicians and Surgeons]], the Texas Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have not supported making this vaccine mandatory. | | The [[Association of American Physicians and Surgeons]], the Texas Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have not supported making this vaccine mandatory. |