Hpv Proposal
Human Papillomavirus Vaccination
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Policy Memorandum
To: Federal Legislator
From:
Subject: Mandating that all school aged females should receive a vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Date: March 1, 2011
Introduction:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claim that the Human papillomavirus (HPV) infects approximately 20 million people in the United States with 6.2 million new cases each year (CDC, 2009). 99.7% of cervical cancers are linked to human papillomavirus (CDC, 2009). Statistically it is known that an astounding 80% of females by the age of 50 years will eventually become infected with this virus. These individuals may present with symptoms, or the absence of them. Currently there is no treatment for HPV, only treatment for related health problems. Prevention and abstinence is the only way to ultimately avoid this virus. There are more than 30 strains of HPV that infect at least half of sexually active people in their lifetime. Most strains of HPV do not produce any symptoms and disappear on their own. The most common strands that are acquired via sexual contact are 6, 11, 16 and 18 (FDA, 2006). The first two 6 and 11 cause genital warts, whereas 16 and 18 are carcinogenic. Screening and compliance to an appropriate Gynecologist may be stressful for a young woman. The incidence of non-compliance causes an increase in the prevalence of this disease to the general population. The argument of vaccination is greatly supported behind this theory. The HPV vaccine consists of a series of three intramuscular shots given weeks to months apart. When compared to visiting for an annual gynecological check-up this alternative may be intriguing to some individuals. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends all girls before they become sexually active be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV). In the summer of
____________________________________________________________
____________
Policy Memorandum
To: Federal Legislator
From:
Subject: Mandating that all school aged females should receive a vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Date: March 1, 2011
Introduction:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claim that the Human papillomavirus (HPV) infects approximately 20 million people in the United States with 6.2 million new cases each year (CDC, 2009). 99.7% of cervical cancers are linked to human papillomavirus (CDC, 2009). Statistically it is known that an astounding 80% of females by the age of 50 years will eventually become infected with this virus. These individuals may present with symptoms, or the absence of them. Currently there is no treatment for HPV, only treatment for related health problems. Prevention and abstinence is the only way to ultimately avoid this virus. There are more than 30 strains of HPV that infect at least half of sexually active people in their lifetime. Most strains of HPV do not produce any symptoms and disappear on their own. The most common strands that are acquired via sexual contact are 6, 11, 16 and 18 (FDA, 2006). The first two 6 and 11 cause genital warts, whereas 16 and 18 are carcinogenic. Screening and compliance to an appropriate Gynecologist may be stressful for a young woman. The incidence of non-compliance causes an increase in the prevalence of this disease to the general population. The argument of vaccination is greatly supported behind this theory. The HPV vaccine consists of a series of three intramuscular shots given weeks to months apart. When compared to visiting for an annual gynecological check-up this alternative may be intriguing to some individuals. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends all girls before they become sexually active be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV). In the summer of