Washington Public Health recommends vaccinating against HPV or human papillomavirus. Public Health Nurse Lynn Fisher explains some strains of HPV have been linked to cancers in both men and women which is transmitted sexually. A vaccine has been developed to protect against the disease and it is recommended for those between the ages of 11 and 26. The vaccine is supported by the Centers for Disease Control, the Food and Drug Administration, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Annually, 4,000 people die from cervical cancer. For more information about the disease and vaccines listen to today’s Washington Page.