Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection and is a major cause of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Vaccination can reduce significantly the risk of infection and subsequent cancer.
According to the director of Snohomish County Public Health, only 30% of Snohomish County’s 11-12 year olds have initiated the HPV series and only 9% have completed the series. By age 13-17, the rates are only 44% initiated and 24% completed. The CDC, Washington State Department of Health, and Snohomish Health District are committed to increasing vaccination rates.
To that end, I urge our Stanwood-Camano, Arlington, and Marysville area patients and providers to consider vaccination to reduce the incidence of HPV related diseases, which include oral and orophayryngeal cancer.
Chris Rafoth is the owner of Lyons Creek Dental Care, providing medical dentistry, dental implants, and facial esthetics since 1998 for Shoreline and greater Seattle areas, as well as communities in King and Snohomish counties. Any questions or comments? Contact him at chris@lyonscreekdentalcare.com today!
