NursingSprint

✔️ Quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine:

Is routinely recommended starting at 11 to 12 years of age to protect against HPV strains associated with cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, as well as genital warts.

✔️ Nurse's clinical responsibility:

Is to administer the HPV vaccine to eligible children and educate the client and parents about the importance of completing the two-dose series (or three doses if starting after age 15) for full protection.

✔️ Clinical best practices:

From the CDC immunization schedule indicate that the HPV vaccine should be offered along with Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) and meningococcal conjugate vaccine at the 11–12-year-old well-child visit.

✔️ The nurse should also reassure parents that the HPV vaccine is most effective when given prior to exposure to the virus (i.e., before becoming sexually active), and early vaccination leads to stronger immune response.

Educational Insight:

According to the CDC 2024 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, HPV vaccination at 11–12 years is a standard preventive measure that significantly reduces the risk of HPV-associated cancers later in life.

Incorrect Options:

B. Rotavirus

Rotavirus vaccine is only administered to infants and must be completed by 8 months of age. It is not indicated for children older than that.

C. Pneumococcal conjugate

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is typically completed in infancy and early childhood (by 15 months). It is not routinely given at age 11 unless specific health conditions are present.

D. Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B series is usually completed by 6–18 months of age. It is not typically administered again at 11 years unless the child was previously unvaccinated.