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The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a relatively common virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes. It is the most common cause of cervical cancer in women and can also cause genital warts in both men and women. There are about 130 strains of the virus that have been identified. Of these, nearly a dozen (including strains 16, 18, 31 and 45) have been recognized as causing cervical cancer. They can also lead to anal cancer, vulvar cancer and penile cancer. HPV is typically transmitted through skin to skin contact and about 30 types through sexual contact. For the above reasons, health officials in countries like the US are taking strong actions to help protect women from the virus and cancer. However there is no cure for the virus, and thus the HPV Vaccination is the best form of protection we have. Scientists started working on developing an HPV vaccination in the mid 1980's. However it was only in 2006 that the FDA licensed the first HPV vaccination marketed under the trademark name of Gardasil. By 2007, Gardasil was approved by at least 80 countries. In 2007, another HPV vaccination called Cervarix filed for approval and was granted approval
in Australia in June 2007 and in Europe in September 2007. The HPV vaccination does not have any live virus as part of the vaccine. Instead it makes use of the outer coat of protein of the virus. The vaccine also does not have any mercury based preservatives. The HPV vaccination has been found to be safe and effective. The HPV vaccination also does not have any side effects except for some soreness at the point of injection. The HPV vaccination is more of a preventive vaccination and is recommended for girls between the ages of 11 and 12. It has also been suggested that the HPV vaccination can be given to girls of 9-10 yrs of age. This young age for vaccination is to provide protection to the girls before they are sexually active as the vaccine will have a better action. The HPV vaccination should also be given to females between the ages of 13 and 26 who have not been vaccinated earlier. The HPV vaccination is given in 3 doses over 6 months. The vaccines are effective against those strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts. However the HPV vaccination is not effective against existing HPV infections or their complications. The HPV vaccination is currently not recommended for pregnant women. Also, tests are still being carried out to study the effect of the vaccine on older women and men. The HPV vaccination is extremely new and it is hoped that in time it will become a world standard in hopes of fighting cancer and STD's. Childhood Vaccination
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