Start practicing

Public Health · single question

Which of the following is TRUE about the HPV vaccine?

  1. It can be taken routinely at any time in life
  2. It protects against oropharyngeal cancer
  3. Two doses should be given before age 15
  4. It must be given before age 11 to be effective
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. It protects against oropharyngeal cancer

  • A. Routine vaccination is recommended at ages 11–12; catch-up through age 26 is recommended. For ages 27–45 it requires shared clinical decision-making.
  • B. HPV types 16 and 18 cause the majority of HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. The vaccine protects against these strains and is therefore protective against oropharyngeal cancer.
  • C. Two doses apply when the FIRST dose is given before age 15; three doses are required if started at 15 or older. The statement is incomplete.
  • D. The vaccine can still provide meaningful protection when given through age 26 (and with shared decision-making through 45). Age 11 is the recommended routine age, not an efficacy cutoff.

Practice Public Health questions Public Health study notes

More Public Health practice questions