HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccines are given as a series of three shots over 6 months to protect against HPV infection and the health problems that HPV infection can cause. Two vaccines (Cervarix and Gardasil) protect against cervical cancers in women. One vaccine (Gardasil) also protects against genital warts and cancers of females private areas. Both vaccines are available for females. Only Gardasil is available for males. Gardasil is the vaccine that we widely use in Sumner County.  HPV vaccines offer the best protection to girls and boys who receive all three vaccine doses and have time to develop an immune response before being sexually active.  HPV vaccination is recommended for preteen girls and boys at age 11 or 12 years. This is the only vaccine that is currently available . The vaccine is new and parents and caretakers have expressed some questions and concerns about the vaccine. If you want to discuss this with a healthcare professional, call your physician or local Health Department or go to www.cdc.gov. This website also has a detailed discussion on HPV dosage and uses.