MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) – Horry County students went back to school Wednesday. All students must have their vaccines unless they qualify for an exemption. Many parents asked News13 about the HPV vaccine.
For Horry County students, the HPV vaccine is not required by the school system. However, doctors say they strongly recommend it.
One in four Americans have the human papilloma virus. It’s America’s most common STD.
“So whatever you can do to help minimize your chance of getting it or your child getting it obviously is to your benefit.”
Doctor Ron Reynolds with Beach Family and Urgent Care says the problem is growing. Doctors diagnose 14 million new cases of HPV every year. It’s linked to cancer and diseases in women and men. But it’s also preventable — with a vaccine.
“You want to get that at an early age.”
Doctors recommend children get the vaccine when they’re 11 or 12 years old. Some parents have questioned why a child that young should get vaccinated for a disease that spreads sexually.
“Even though they may not have exposure until later years, by getting it at an early point and time it helps greatly minimize the chance that they will get that.”
Doctor Reynolds says the vaccine can’t hurt.
“Vaccines are all a number game. Basically, the more people that have vaccines the less risk any other individual is to get a disease.”
For a full list of required vaccines for Horry County schools, visit http://www.horrycountyschools.net/pages/Horry_County_Schools/3352373296737269426/Instructional_Support_Services/Health_Services/Immunization_Requirements.
