According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are 14-million new Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections annually. Half are in 15 to 24 year olds. The Peoria City/County Health Department is reminding parents to make sure that their child’s vaccinations are up to date. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls 11 and older. It is a three shot series, best administered before exposure to the virus. The series of shots given over six months, costs in the neighborhood of $700. Some major insurers and Medicaid cover at least a portion of the expense.
HPV infections can lead to various cancers including cervical cancer. It is also responsible for some types of oral and anal cancers.