The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine for men and women from 27 to 45-years-old, saying there’s evidence even older adults can be protected against cancer by the vaccine.
The HPV vaccine — Gardasil 9, made by Merck — protects against a range of cancers, including cervical cancer, cancer of the penis, and head and neck cancer. It had been previously approved for minors and people up to age 26.
The New York Times reports
It works against the human papillomavirus, HPV, which can also cause genital warts and cancers of the vulva, anus, penis and parts of the throat. The virus has many strains. It is sexually transmitted, and most adults encounter at least one strain at some point in their lives. The vaccine protects against nine strains, including those most likely to cause cancers and genital warts.
“Today’s approval represents an important opportunity to help prevent HPV-related diseases and cancers in a broader age range,” Dr. Peter Marks, director of the F.D.A.’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement.
About 14 million people become newly infected each year. HPV is so common that most sexually active people will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives.
That’s why the vaccine is normally given to kids aged 11 and up and to adults in their early 20s.
