Medical Emergencies · single question
Which of the following is NOT TRUE about the HPV vaccine?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. It does NOT prevent oropharyngeal cancer
Statement A is FALSE — therefore A is the answer (NOT TRUE). The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) DOES prevent oropharyngeal cancer. HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. The vaccine protects against these high-risk types, thereby reducing oropharyngeal cancer risk.
TRUE statements:
• Ideally given at 11-12 years (B) ✓ — best immune response before sexual debut
• After age 15, THREE doses are needed (C) ✓ — (0, 1-2, 6 months schedule); ages 9-14 need only 2 doses
• HPV protects against types 6, 11, 16, 18 (D) ✓ — Gardasil 9 covers 9 strains (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58)
TRUE statements:
• Ideally given at 11-12 years (B) ✓ — best immune response before sexual debut
• After age 15, THREE doses are needed (C) ✓ — (0, 1-2, 6 months schedule); ages 9-14 need only 2 doses
• HPV protects against types 6, 11, 16, 18 (D) ✓ — Gardasil 9 covers 9 strains (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58)
- A. ⚠️ FLAG — Per current evidence, this statement is CLINICALLY FALSE: the HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) DOES protect against HPV-16 and HPV-18, the strains that cause most oropharyngeal cancers, and IS expected to reduce oropharyngeal cancer rates. However, this was the exam answer per the peer-recall source. Study groups should discuss the distinction between current clinical evidence and what appeared on this specific exam block.
- B. This IS TRUE — for individuals aged 15 and older, 3 doses are recommended (0, 1-2 months, 6 months). Not the answer.
- C. This IS TRUE — the ACIP recommends routine HPV vaccination at age 11-12 (can start at age 9). So it is NOT the 'not true' answer.
- D. Protection against HPV 16 and 18 IS TRUE — these are the two highest-risk oncogenic strains. Not the 'not true' answer.
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