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Some HPV vaccine recipients think they are protected from all STDs

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Many young girls who receive the vaccination against the human papillomavirus mistakenly believe it reduces their risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases and receiving a positive STD test, according to a new study.

Researchers from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital and the University of Cincinnati surveyed 339 girls between the ages of 13 and 21 about their attitudes toward the vaccination. While most correctly understood that it only protected them against one cancer-causing STD, nearly 25 percent reported believing it guarded against other types of infection.

Overall, the researchers said their findings show that efforts to educate the public on the benefits of the vaccine are working. The vast majority of individuals understood the purpose of inoculation. However, continuing these efforts to make sure all recipients of the vaccine understand that they are still at risk of other infections could be key.

Regardless of whether or not they have received the HPV vaccine, all sexually active young adults should seek STD testing, as this is one of the most effective measures for preventing the spread of diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.