A nurse at a clinic is caring for a child who is scheduled to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The client's mother asks for information about this vaccine. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?
Explanation & Rationale
A. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine HPV vaccination starting at ages 11–12 for both males and females. Vaccinating at this age provides protection before potential exposure to HPV through sexual activity. Catch-up vaccination can be done for older adolescents and young adults. B. The HPV vaccine prevents infections caused by human papillomavirus, which can lead to cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, and penile cancers, but it does not protect against testicular cancer. This statement is inaccurate and may create confusion for parents. C. The HPV vaccine is administered as a two-dose series for children who start the series before age 15, with doses given 6–12 months apart. For individuals starting at age 15 or older, a three-dose series is recommended. A single dose is not sufficient to provide long-term immunity.