Experts Delve Into Issues of HPV V...( MONTVALE N.J. Feb. 26 /- You know...),Health

MONTVALE, N.J., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- You know that the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine is effective for girls and young women. Is there a theoretical basis for exploring its use in other populations?

"Controversies in HPV Vaccination" a 3-part CME Webcast, assesses this and other issues associated with HPV vaccination. The webcast is an online offering from Sexuality, Reproduction and Menopause (SRM), a clinical publication of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. The webcast is available at http://www.obgmanagement.com/hpv. It is based on a live event at the Society's October 2007 annual meeting.

Mark Spitzer, MD, presents a theoretical discussion of the influence of gender and age on HPV vaccination and prevention. He describes the potential benefits of herd immunity if males could be vaccinated against the virus. The graphical data Dr. Spitzer presents illustrate the complexity of sexual relationships within a high school population, with startling implications for the spread of sexual transmitted infections.

"I am asked daily about HPV vaccination -- these succinct presentations to address many of the questions my patients and their parents have. Viewing the webcast online makes the information as convenient and attractive as reading about it in SRM," remarked SRM Editor Sandra Carson, MD.

John Ward, MD, Director of the Division of Viral Hepatitis at the CDC, offers advice for the effective implementation of the HPV vaccine based on the experience with the Hepatitis B vaccine in the 1980s and 1990s.

Samantha Pfeifer, MD, describes how an HPV infection in younger women differs from the same infection in older women. She cites the prevalence of this sexually transmitted infection and presents detailed information about the effectiveness of the vaccine.

"Controversies in HPV Vaccination" is available at