August is Vaccination Awareness month and Family Planning of Fall River and Taunton want to be sure that you know why the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination is worth guarding yourself against.

The HPV vaccination can be administered to males and females as early as age 11.  If you think there's not reason to protect your child at such a young age, here are some reasons you'll want to think twice.

HPV is common.  Most male and females in the United States will be infected with HPV in their lifetime. If someone happens to be infected with a certain type of strain, it could have some pretty significant consequences.

HPV is easily spread.  HPV is passed on through sexual contact, not just intercourse. Even if a person has no signs or symptoms, they could still be infected. According to the CDC, symptoms can develop years after you contracted it making it hard to know how long you've been infected.

HPV carries many potential consequences.
In most cases, HPV goes away on its own without any health problems.  However, if it does not go away on its own, it can lead to genital warts and cancer.  There is no way to know who will develop health related issues because of HPV so its best to protect yourself against it and get vaccinated as soon as possible.

If you have questions or concerns about your health and HPV, contact Family Planning of Fall River and Taunton to set up a discreet, confidential appointment.

 

 

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