The Mother Asks the Nurse Why the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine

The mother asks the nurse why the human papillomavirus vaccine (Gardasil) is administered at age 11 or 12 rather than earlier, as with other vaccines. What is the most accurate response by the nurse?

A) "The vaccine requires the onset of puberty to be effective."
B) "Other vaccines must be given first to establish immunity, upon which this immunization is based."
C) "The virus is spread by sexual contact, which may begin during the teen years."
D) "There are too many side effects if given too early."