Health Talks

Understanding HPV and the Gardasil Vaccine: Protecting Our Communities Through Prevention

By Dr. Eunice Cromwell, DNP, FNP-C

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral infections affecting both men and women worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 80% of s*xually active individuals will contract HPV at some point in their lives. While many infections clear on their own, certain strains of HPV can lead to serious long-term health problems—including cervical cancer, a**l cancer, pe**le cancer, throat cancer, and ge***al warts.

Fortunately, one of the most powerful tools in modern preventive medicine is available to stop these complications before they start: the Gardasil vaccine.

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What Is HPV?

HPV is a group of over 150 related viruses. They are spread primarily through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, a**l, or oral s*x. Many people who have HPV never know they are infected, which increases the potential for unintentional transmission.

High-Risk vs. Low-Risk Strains
• High-risk strains (like HPV 16 and 18) can cause cancer.
• Low-risk strains (like HPV 6 and 11) cause ge***al warts.

High-risk strains are responsible for:
• Over 90% of cervical cancer cases
• 70% of oropharyngeal (throat) cancers
• Most a**l and pe**le cancers

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What Is the Gardasil Vaccine?

Gardasil 9 is an FDA-approved vaccine that protects against nine of the most dangerous HPV types, including the strains responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers and ge***al warts.

Who Should Get It?

The vaccine is recommended for:
• Boys and girls ages 9 to 12 (ideal age for strongest immune response)
• Teens and young adults up to age 26
• Adults 27–45 years old may receive it after discussing individual risks with their provider

How Is It Given?
• Two-dose series for ages 9–14
• Three-dose series for ages 15–45

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Why the Gardasil Vaccine Matters

1. Cancer Prevention

Gardasil prevents infections that cause:
• Cervical cancer
• Vaginal and vulvar cancers
• A**l cancer
• Pe**le cancer
• Throat (oropharyngeal) cancer

2. Protection for Both Men and Women

While HPV is often associated with cervical cancer, men are also at significant risk for HPV-related cancers. Vaccinating boys is essential to protecting their health and reducing transmission.

3. Community Immunity

Widespread vaccination leads to a significant drop in HPV infections, precancerous cervical changes, and ge***al warts.

4. Safe and Highly Researched
• Over 100 million doses administered globally
• Strong safety record over more than 15 years
• Causes mild, temporary side effects such as arm soreness
• Cannot cause HPV because it contains no live virus

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Why Early Vaccination Is Important

Vaccinating early—ideally before HPV exposure—provides the highest level of protection. Children mount a stronger immune response at younger ages, making the vaccine even more effective.

Adults can still benefit, especially those not exposed to all HPV strains included in the vaccine.

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Common Myths—Debunked

“The vaccine will encourage early s*xual activity.”

False. Studies show no link between vaccination and s*xual behavior.

“My child is male, so the vaccine isn’t needed.”

Incorrect. HPV causes cancers in men as well, particularly throat and a**l cancers.

“I’m too old to benefit.”

Adults up to age 45 may still benefit depending on risk and exposure history.

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Screening Still Matters

Even with vaccination, women should continue Pap smears and HPV testing based on age and guidelines.
The vaccine protects against many high-risk strains but not all of them.

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Conclusion: Prevention Is Power

The Gardasil vaccine is one of the most effective cancer-prevention tools available today. By educating families, promoting access, and increasing vaccination rates, we can significantly reduce the burden of HPV-related cancers in our communities.

As healthcare providers and community leaders, it is our responsibility to encourage early vaccination, advocate for regular screenings, and empower individuals with accurate information.

Protect today for a healthier tomorrow.

Today, we acknowledge and honor the dynamic vitality, ingenuity, and tenacity of the younger generation globally.

Let us work collectively to support and encourage young individuals, foster groundbreaking ideas, and advocate for diversity. Your opinions hold significance, and your efforts have the potential to bring about impactful transformations.

🕊️🖤💜🙏🏽

The Jemimah Noonoo Foundation exists to empower families in Anomabo, Central Region of Ghana. Through education, access and giving, we strive to obtain economic, social, physical, and spiritual security for the families of Anomabo, thereby encouraging the development of self-sustaining communities throughout Ghana.

🕊️🖤💜🙏🏽

The Jemimah Noonoo Foundation Spread love and kindness, and always wear a smile. It's the simplest way to brighten someone's day and make a difference.

Together, let's create a world full of smiles!

🕊️🖤💜🙏🏽

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked”(Luke 12:48).

The Jemimah Noonoo Foundation

I have been blessed with so many things in this life, but none of my blessings can be compared to the blessing of having Rev. Dr. Kofi Noonoo as my father. I can never stop thanking God for your presence in my life. You provided me everything and formed me into the successful woman I am today.

May happiness and joy forever reign in your heart of gold. May God never stop pouring His amazing love, kindness and blessings on you. May you eat the fruits of your labor today and always.

Happy Happy Blessed 80th Birthday! 🎉🥳🎂🎊🎁

You and your family and friends are invited to join the Council of Ghanaian Churches and Ghana National Council of Chicago, for the 35th Annual GhanaFest® -"Forward Together" Thanksgiving Service this afternoon. See you there!!

📍African Community United, Methodist Church 4047 N. Keeler Ave. Chicago, IL 60641.
🗓️ Sunday August 6th
🕛 1:30 PM

Let's turn out in our numbers to express our gratitude and pray for His continued blessings for our community!!

SHOWCASE OF GHANAIAN MUSIC, ART, FASHION, FOOD, AND CULTURE IN THE MIDWEST SINCE 1988......COME AND BE A PART OF HISTORY WITH OVER 5,000 PEOPLE AS WE THE 35th ANNIVERSARY OF GHANAFEST®️ 2023!!!

TICKETS are on sale:
https://www.vipsocio.com/event/ghanafestchicago

Please tune in!!

Get ready for Valentine’s Day by checking your health!! is American Heart Month, so our focus is heart disease and stroke prevention.

Saturday, February 12th the Ghanaian Community Health Clinic is open and ready to manage and detect your health conditions. Stop by!!

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic:
RSVP Here: https://form.jotform.com/uniteafricans/vaxapp

The Jemimah Noonoo Foundation In honor of the love and respect we feel for Jemimah, we came together one year after her passing in 2015 to carry on her dream of developing a charity that would provide education and resources to the coastal village of Anomabo, Ghana.