Cervical health is an important piece of your overall wellness. At Modern OBGYN Care in Pembroke Pines, Florida, we help you navigate preventive care. Dr. Miguel Torres and Dr. Marcela Torres provide personalized guidance on cervical cancer prevention. This includes routine well-woman exams and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
Many adults wonder if the HPV vaccine still matters for them. Although the vaccine is highly effective, its role changes as we get older. Understanding how it fits into your adult healthcare plan is key to staying healthy.
Routine catch-up vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26. Instead, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that adults ages 27 through 45 may get vaccinated based on shared clinical decision-making.
The vaccine works best before any exposure to the virus. As we age, the likelihood of prior exposure to HPV strains increases. This means the vaccine provides less overall benefit if you have already been exposed to the virus.
However, it can still protect you from strains you have not yet faced. If you are re-entering the dating pool or have new partners, we can help you decide if the vaccine is right for you.
The vaccine still offers meaningful protection for older age groups. In a 2024 study of 14,120 women undergoing screening, receiving at least one vaccine dose was associated with a lower rate of high-risk HPV. Specifically, women vaccinated between ages 36 and 45 experienced a 35.5% relative reduction in risk for high-risk HPV.
This protection is valuable, but it is not a complete shield. The vaccine is strictly preventive and cannot treat an active infection. At our Pembroke Pines, Florida office, we offer comprehensive STD testing to help you monitor your current health status.
Getting vaccinated does not mean you can skip your regular screenings. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends regular cervical cancer screening for individuals ages 21 to 65, regardless of vaccination status.
No vaccine protects against every single cancer-causing HPV strain. Regular Pap smears and HPV tests remain the only way to catch precancerous changes early.
We tailor your screening schedule to your unique health history. During your visit, we discuss your risks and set a clear plan for your ongoing care.
Don’t leave your cervical health to chance. Whether you need a routine screening or want to discuss the HPV vaccine, our team is here to support you. Please schedule a visit with Modern OBGYN Care today to take charge of your preventive health.
