The HPV vaccine is routinely recommended because it protects against which virus?

The HPV vaccine is routinely recommended because it protects against which virus?

• A. Herpes simplex
• B. Human papillomavirus
• C. Hepatitis B
• D. Varicella

Answer: (B)

The important idea here is that vaccines are designed to target specific pathogens, and this one is made to guard against human papillomavirus. The HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus, the virus linked to cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers as well as some genital warts, depending on the vaccine type. That’s why it’s routinely recommended for preteens and adolescents—to help prevent infection before potential exposure. It does not protect against herpes simplex, hepatitis B, or varicella, since those are different viruses with their own distinct vaccines.

The important idea here is that vaccines are designed to target specific pathogens, and this one is made to guard against human papillomavirus. The HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus, the virus linked to cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers as well as some genital warts, depending on the vaccine type. That’s why it’s routinely recommended for preteens and adolescents—to help prevent infection before potential exposure. It does not protect against herpes simplex, hepatitis B, or varicella, since those are different viruses with their own distinct vaccines.