What vaccine is recommended for children at the age of 11-12 years?

The vaccine recommended for children at the age of 11-12 years is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This vaccine is important because it protects against cancers caused by human papillomavirus, including cervical cancer, several other genital cancers, and oropharyngeal cancers. The recommendation to administer the HPV vaccine at this age helps to ensure that individuals are vaccinated before they become sexually active, which maximizes the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing future cancers associated with HPV infection.

In this age group, the initiation of the HPV vaccine series is strongly encouraged as part of the routine vaccinations during pre-adolescence. It is particularly recommended for both male and female children, reflecting the growing understanding of HPV-related diseases affecting all genders.

The other vaccines mentioned have different recommended ages; for example, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically given in early childhood, and the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough) vaccine series is completed by age 6. The varicella vaccine, which protects against chickenpox, is also administered earlier, generally in two doses before the age of 6. Therefore, the HPV vaccine stands out as specifically targeted for the