Q: I have seen advertisements for the HPV vaccine. Should I consider this for my daughter?
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A: There are two vaccines currently on the market that protect girls from some HPV infections. These shots are given to girls ages 9-27 years old in a series of three shots over a six month period of time. The two vaccines have some differences in coverage, but both are used to protect against two types of the human papilloma virus that cause cervical cancer. Side effects from the vaccine are minimal: mostly pain at the injection site. Medical evidence shows long term protection with the vaccine.
Christine Case, MD
Coastal Women’s Care
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