Skip to main content

Military Health System

Test of Sitewide Banner

This is a test of the sitewide banner capability. In the case of an emergency, site visitors would be able to visit the news page for addition information.

How You Can Prevent This Cancer-Causing Sexually Transmitted Infection

Image of Doctor talking to a boy. Boys and girls 11 and older should be vaccinated against human papillomavirus, which can lead to cancers years after infection. Those in the armed services and beneficiaries should also get the vaccine if they haven’t already (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

If you're in the military, should you get the vaccine for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) if you haven't already?

The evidence says YES - and the sooner, the better.

Why? Because HPV can cause cancers years after exposure or resolve itself with no symptoms, but who wants to take that chance? The virus is responsible for approximately 40,000 cases of cancer each year, almost all of which are preventable, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. According to the CDC, there were 43 million Americans with the HPV STI in 2018.

While the number of infections is high, most cases of HPV clear themselves. If they don't, HPV can result in genital warts, or, worse, cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancer in women, penile and anal cancer in men, and cancer of the back of the throat.

The HPV vaccine is Food and Drug Administration-approved for persons 9-45 years of age. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) routinely recommends the vaccine for persons 11-26 years of age, making it a vaccine that both parents and service members should consider.

Discuss Your HPV Status at PHAs

The HPV vaccine is not currently mandatory in the military. The FDA approved the vaccine in 2006, so many recruits may already be vaccinated, which is one reason it is not offered in basic training.

"However, we recommend that providers discuss HPV vaccination with service members at their annual Periodic Health Assessments and at any other clinical visit as appropriate," said Dr. Bruce McClenathan, medical director for the Immunization Healthcare Division, South Atlantic Region Vaccine Safety Hub, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

"Many service members may have already been vaccinated to HPV, so they may want to check their childhood/adolescent immunization records or ask their parents," McClenathan suggested.

"If there is no evidence of previous HPV vaccine receipt, I would recommend that all service members 26 years of age or younger discuss the HPV vaccine with their provider and request to begin the series. Why pass on a vaccine that can prevent cancer?" he said.

The number of shots needed for a full vaccination varies depending on your age. Up to three doses may be needed for the vaccine to be fully effective, but many people who start the vaccination series don't finish it.

"Catch-up HPV vaccination is recommended for all persons through age 26 who are not adequately vaccinated," McClenathan added.

Acknowledging the stigma attached to STIs, Jennifer Ritschl, a nurse with the IHD at Fort Bragg, said: "Don't be afraid to ask questions."

For military personnel and beneficiaries, "we need people to understand there's no judgment: We're here to help."

A physician discussing prevention with a sailor
Navy Cmdr. John Lydon, a physician at the Naval Hospital Jacksonville’s OB/GYN clinic, discusses prevention with a sailor (Photo by: Jacob Sippel, Naval Hospital Jacksonville).

Other Criteria for Vaccination

ACIP says those who are between the ages of 26 and 45 may want to get the vaccine after talking with their health care providers even though they are likely to have been exposed to HPV already.

Women who are breastfeeding may get the vaccine. There is no evidence that the vaccine affects fertility.

However, women who are pregnant should not get the vaccine. If they receive a first dose and then find out they are pregnant, additional doses can be delayed until after the pregnancy.

Men who have sex with men should also consider getting vaccinated: HPV can be spread during anal and oral sex, as well as through skin-to-skin touching.

The CDC emphasizes that HPV can be spread even when an infected person has no visible signs or symptoms.

How do you know you're infected? You may not, so, again, vaccination is the way to go.

The most common side effects of vaccination are usually mild, like a sore arm from the shot, and go away quickly, FDA says.

Routine Pap smears for women ages 21 to 65 years old can help prevent cervical cancer in those unvaccinated for HPV.

CDC also recommends using latex condoms the right way every time you have sex. This can lower the chances of getting HPV. But HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom, meaning you may not be fully protected with condoms alone, CDC says.

Children and Adolescents' HPV Vaccinations

For children and adolescents getting back-to-school physicals, school sports exams, and immunizations, "I strongly recommend leveraging those appointments to get the HPV vaccine if the patient has not completed the vaccine series," McClenathan said.

There may be some parental hesitancy about getting the HPV vaccine, said Ritschl.

"The current reason I hear most often is parents deciding to postpone HPV vaccination until their child is caught up on required immunizations," she said. This is "because COVID-19 has adversely affected immunizations across the board. Many patients haven't been seen physically in the clinic for several months or even a year," she said.

"Many parents also focus on the STI prevention aspect and think their child doesn't need the vaccine because they aren't having sex. That is a dangerous assumption," Ritschl said. "We know HPV is spread in more ways than just during 'sex,' and while we want to prevent genital warts, this vaccine is primarily about preventing cancer."

McClenathan said: "We know the vaccine is much more effective if given before any potential exposure to HPV. In addition, choosing to give the vaccine before age 15 also allows one to complete the series with only two shots instead of three."

But there are still parents who are concerned about adverse effects of the vaccine, Ritschl noted.

"These concerns are often unfounded, because they are based on information from unreliable sources, such as social media or word-of-mouth," Ritschl said. "We discuss the proven benefits of the HPV vaccine with these parents and provide them with credible sources for information such as the DHA Human Papillomavirus website and the CDC website."

McClenathan said: "As both a vaccinologist and a parent of an adolescent, I would recommend the HPV vaccine without reservation. My own child has received this vaccine - that is how strongly I believe in the vaccine and its ability to safely and effectively prevent cancers associated with HPV infection."

You also may be interested in...

Ask the Doc: How to Get Caught Up on Childhood Immunizations

Article
5/25/2023
Ask the Doc: How to Get Caught Up on Childhood Immunizations

How can I get my kids caught up on recommended vaccines, even if it’s off the normal schedule? Also, my children and I are going on a trip to Europe this summer. What immunizations are recommended for my kids before going on our trip?

Imaging Specialists Look Beyond the Skin

Article Around MHS
5/10/2023
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Leila Liza Smith, a diagnostic imaging specialist with the 6th Medical Group, practices abdominal ultrasound procedures at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, on ct. 25, 2022. Smith evaluates the images produced by the ultrasound for abnormalities, such as lumps or nodules on the thyroid gland. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Lauren Cobin)

Diagnostic imaging specialists are medical professionals that use imaging equipment and soundwaves to form images of many parts of the body, known as ultrasounds. They are trained to acquire and analyze these sonographic images so that doctors can diagnose and treat many medical conditions.

Department of Defense Investing in Wearable Technology That Could Rapidly Predict Disease

Article Around MHS
5/8/2023
U.S. Air Force Airman Katiha Falcon wears a watch at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, on Dec. 3, 2020. The wearable technology is part of a study with the Defense Innovation Unit that will allow detection of illnesses such as COVID-19 within 48 hours. (Photo by Cynthia Griggs, U.S. Air Force)

The Defense Innovation Unit, in partnership with the private sector, has developed a wearable device that was highly successful during the COVID-19 pandemic in identifying infections.

New Uniformed Services University Course Focuses on Mental Health of Military Children

Article Around MHS
5/1/2023
U.S. Army Maj. Justin Orton, clinical psychologist at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, pins a green ribbon in support of Mental Health Awareness Month on a student during a wellness walk at Bliss Elementary School in Fort Bliss, Texas. (Photo credit by Marcy Sanchez, William Beaumont Army Medical Center)

The Uniformed Services University's Graduate School of Nursing developed a new course, “Child and Adolescent Mental Health,” to address the mental health needs of military children in medicine.

Working Together to Improve Black Maternal Health

Article Around MHS
4/28/2023
The Mother Infant Care Center team at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center ensures patients receive safe, high-quality care, equitable, culturally diverse and inclusive care as a leader in advanced childbirth health care, according to WRNMMC Chief of Staff Navy Capt. (Dr.) Kelly Elmore, an OB/GYN. WRNMMC celebrated Black Maternal Health Week during April 11-17. (Photo by Aisha Lomax, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center)

“Black Maternal Health Week is a reminder that so many families experience pain, neglect, and loss during what should be one of the most joyous times of their lives. It is an urgent call for action,” states a proclamation signed by President Joe Biden in observance of Black Maternal Health Week 2023, observed April 11-17.

Prevent Lead Poisoning in Children

Article
4/27/2023
Prevent Lead Poisoning in Children

Prior to 1978, paint was made with lead, which can be a serious health hazard. Infants or toddlers are more at-risk for exposure since they can put cracked paint chips in their mouths.

Navy Nurse Corps Officer Responds to Medical Emergency on Grounded Ferry

Article Around MHS
4/26/2023
U.S. Navy Lt. Holly Sapien, Navy Nurse Corps officer assigned to Naval Hospital Bremerton (second from left), along with husband U.S. Navy Musician 1st Class Michael Sapien (far right), U.S. Navy Lt. Randy Le, Naval Hospital Bremerton registered dietitian (left) and Musician 3rd Class John Landis (back) pause for a selfie moment onboard the Bremerton to Seattle ferry Walla Walla after it ran aground on Bainbridge Island, April 15. During that time, Sapien responded to a medical emergency, taking the lead in stabilizing another passenger dealing with an epileptic seizure. (Courtesy photo).

When the Bremerton-Seattle ferry Walla Walla ran aground on a late-Saturday afternoon due to loss of power, U.S. Navy Lt. Holly Sapien’s attention became instantly directed elsewhere.

Defense Public Health Psychologist Offers Tips to Help Children Cope With Change

Article Around MHS
4/17/2023
Defense Public Health experts say it’s important for parents to maintain a healthy and active attachment with their children by spending at least 20 minutes a day together. This can help military kids and families cope with life changes, like military moves. (Graphic illustration by Graham Snodgrass)

While military kids get to experience many unique and exciting things, they also face many challenges as a result of their parents' service. We've got some expert advice for military parents whose children are adjusting to new schools, separations during their deployments, and other coping skills for military kids to thrive.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital Mom & Me Program Provides Specialized Support to Military Families

Article Around MHS
4/17/2023
Audrey Sundbye, a certified lactation consultant at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital,  checks the weight of U.S. Army Spc. Jaqueline Kerchner’s baby following his feeding at a Mom & Me meeting in the hospital on March 20. Mom & Me provides breastfeeding mothers of infants age newborn to 12 months, walk-in access to the hospital’s lactation consultants. (Photo: Maria Christina Yager, Blanchfield Army Medical Hospital)

There was a party recently during Blanchfield Army Community Hospital’s breastfeeding support group, Mom & Me. Group moms and babies gathered round in support and a dinosaur birthday cake was nearby. The Mom & Me program connects and provides breastfeeding mothers with lactation consultants.

Protecting the Warfighter's Health and Readiness, Now and Into the Future

Article Around MHS
3/30/2023
An anopheles mosquito specimen sample sits under the microscope during a demonstration of the U.S. Army’s medical technology development and modernization efforts, Fort Detrick, Maryland, on Feb. 23. (Photo by Summer Abdoh, U.S. Army)

A cure for a debilitating and sometimes deadly disease, new treatments for working military dogs, a snakebite antidote, and a treatment for respiratory disease! See how years of research collaborations are providing protections for warfighters in remote places like never before.

Before Seeing the Dentist, Learn What TRICARE Dental Program Covers

Article
3/22/2023
Before Seeing the Dentist, Learn What TRICARE Dental Program Covers

The TRICARE Dental Program covers a variety of dental services for active duty family members and National Guard and Reserve members and their family members. If you see a network dentist, you’ll only have to pay a cost-share for these services.

Dental Team First to Treat Patients at New Redi Doti Dental Clinic

Article Around MHS
2/28/2023
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Susan Gjekaj, Air Expeditionary Squadron pediatric dentist, operates on a student of the Johan Chelius School in Redi Doti, Suriname, on Feb. 13. Dental personnel from the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team engaged with members in the Lokono and Kalin'a villages to provide extractions, fillings, cleanings and teach best practices for sustaining good oral hygiene. (U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alexus Wilcox)

The dental professionals of the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team were the first to see patients in a newly opened dental clinic in Redi Doti, Suriname. The Youth Dental Care Foundation’s Redi Doti clinic will serve patients in rural communities, making dental services and preventative care more easily accessible for the region in South America.

Monitor Your Diabetes and Health Daily, One Step at a Time

Article
2/23/2023
Diabetes infographic

When you have diabetes, proper foot care is often overlooked.

Army Dentist Shares Why Oral Health Care Should Begin During Infancy

Article Around MHS
2/16/2023
Pediatric dental exams

If you're delaying your children's dental exams until their permanent teeth come in, you could be putting their overall health and development in jeopardy. Find out why the experts say baby's first dental visit should happen in infancy.

Sesame Workshop Rolls Out Self Care Content for Military Families

Article Around MHS
2/3/2023
A video still shows the Muppet Elmo and his father looking toward the camera.

Sesame Workshop has launched new digital resources for military parents and children that offer simple strategies for mental health and self-care. The resources include videos demonstrating the importance of finding the little wins, being flexible with routines, meal planning and even learning how to be still and quiet.

Page 1 of 13 , showing items 1 - 15
First < 1 2 3 4 5  ... > Last 
Refine your search
Last Updated: January 25, 2023
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery