One important prevention tool against sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs/STIs) is vaccination. Currently, vaccines are available to protect against infection with HPV, hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Other vaccines are under development, including those for HIV and herpes simplex virus (HSV).
The videos in this channel focus on HPV vaccines. HPV is a very common infection—one that self-resolves in most people but can lead to cervical cancer among other diseases. HPV vaccination is recommended for all females between the ages of 9 and 26 get an HPV vaccine, males are at risk for HPV and related diseases, too, so boys and young men are also recommended to be vaccinated. Yet parents are sometimes reluctant to vaccinate their children against a sexually transmitted virus. Dr. Maria Trent, Associate Professor in Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, talks to parents about why she recommends vaccination for her patients, and her own children. Additional videos on HPV vaccination directed at healthcare providers are available on this channel.
Going Further
HPV Vaccines: Learn more about HPV vaccination, recommendations for who should be vaccinated, vaccine safety, and answers to frequently asked questions about HPV vaccination.