Under the banner of ‘The Big Catch-Up’, WHO is working with partners to support countries to get back on track to ensure more people are protected from preventable diseases.
The ultimate goal of World Immunisation Week is for more children, adults – and their communities – to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, allowing them to live happier, healthier lives.
The human papillomavirus, HPV, is a common virus that can cause certain cancers later in our adult lives. Nearly everyone will get HPV at some point in their lives. HPV vaccines can prevent some of the health effects HPV causes. Most HPV infections (9 out of 10) go away by themselves. Sometimes, HPV infections will last longer and can cause some cancers in both men and women.
It’s important to have your family vaccinated against HPV early in life. Speak to your child’s healthcare provider about getting an HPV vaccine to prevent HPV infections. No script required.
HPV vaccination is recommended earlier rather than later. It protects your child long before they ever have contact with the virus. Children ages 11–12 years should get two doses of HPV vaccine, given 6 to 12 months apart. HPV vaccines can be given starting at 9 years of age. Early protection works best!
References available on request.