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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Immunizations

Immunizations - RinglingImmunizations - North Port

To honor infection control recommendations, all services will be by appointment for the time being. Walk-ins will be accommodated to be seen if timeslots are available.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.  HPV is a common skin virus transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, most frequently through sexual activity.  About 79 million people in the United States are infected with HPV, and about 14 million will become infected each year.

Prevention

All boys and girls ages 11 or 12 years should get vaccinated.  Catch-up vaccines are recommended for males through age 21 (high risk males through age 26) and for females through age 26, if they did not get vaccinated when they were younger. Gardasil -9 (HPV9) is the only HPV vaccine in the US.  Potential side effects to HPV Vaccination include irritation in the arm, fever, and other minor issues.

Symptomsof HPV Infection

  • Warts in oral, nasal, conjunctival (eye) areas
  • Flat warts on the face of children & adults
  • Cutaneous non-genital warts
  • Anal cancers and genital warts
  • Plantar warts on the foot
  • Thread-like (filiform) warts
  • Common skin warts on hands & around nails

Complicationsof HPV Infection

More than 100 HPV types have been found and 40 HPV types can cause cancer in both men and women. Without prevention or treatment, persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV is associated with development of cervical cancer. Others are vaginal, penile, vulvarand anal cancers, and some oropharyngeal cancers. About 17,500 women and 9,300 men are affected by cancers caused by HPV every year.