A recent study found many family doctors and pediatricians are not doing enough to make sure their young patients get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, four of 10 adolescent girls and six of 10 adolescent boys haven’t started the HPV vaccine series. And in Arizona, those numbers are even higher. 
The HPV vaccine isn’t like the MMR vaccine — it’s not a required jab. It’s like the flu shot: highly recommended.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and nearly everyone who is sexually active gets it at some point in their life. There are many types of HPV — some cause genital warts, others cause cancer of the cervix or penis. The vaccine could help prevent that.

Dr. Amy Shoptaugh, a Valley pediatrician, said some physicians face barriers when it comes to the HPV vaccine.

"Not only due to it being a relatively new vaccine, but there’s are a lot of interpersonal issues that are associated with giving a vaccine that people seem to associate with being a sexually active vaccine," said Shoptaugh.

The CDC recommends giving the vaccine in three shots over six months to girls and boys around age 11. Shoptaugh said the body produces the most antibodies during those preteen years.