Childhood Immunizations that Affect Sexual Health

By: Hannah Forrestal

         A common, and valid, first concern when talking about childhood immunizations that affect sexual health questions why an infant or even an 11-year-old child should be concerned with such a subject. This can be answered, however, through acknowledging the fact that adolescents are sexually active. Importantly, statistics demonstrate that 70% of adolescents experience their first sexual encounter before the age of 18 (Cavazos-Rehg et al., 2009). These numbers indicate that adolescents should be well protected against sexual diseases that may have long-term negative health complications.

         Childhood immunizations that affect sexual health include the human papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis A vaccines (ASHA, 2023). The HPV vaccination is recommended for all 11–12-year-old youth (ASHA, 2023). The vaccine creates the strongest immune response at this age, which explains why the recommendation begins in the preteen years. Furthermore, the vaccine is recommended for young adults up until the age of 26 at which point the recommendation is rendered null as most people have been exposed to the virus (ASHA, 2023). The Hepatitis A and B vaccines are given at the start of life and throughout childhood to prevent long-lasting disease (ASHA, 2023).



         All three of these diseases remain stubbornly present across populations today. HPV will infect at least 85% of people throughout their lifetime (CDC, 2023a). The disease is responsible for causing cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer in women and penis cancer in men (CDC, 2023a). Furthermore, HPV may cause genital warts along with rectal, nasal, and throat cancer in both men and women (CDC, 2023a). The creation of the HPV vaccine has substantially decreased these negative health complications. For example, the occurrence of genital warts and HPV cancers has decreased 88% in teen girls following the creation of the HPV vaccine (CDC, 2023a). Hepatitis A and B are serious liver diseases that present with both acute and chronic manifestations (CDC, 2023b). After receiving the Hepatitis A and B vaccines most people are immune for life (CDC, 2023b).

         A recurrent question surrounding vaccines is whether or not the immunization is safe. The adverse effects observed with the HPV vaccine include fatigue, muscle pain, and headache for a short period of time following injection (Jørgensen et al., 2020). A few cases of fainting and allergic reaction were noted from the vaccine, but these findings proved consistent with most other medical interventions (Jørgensen et al., 2020). These rare complications are accounted for by having the patient remain in office up to 15 minutes following injection (ASHA, 2023). Should an unlikely adverse reaction of this magnitude occur, the patient would be properly tended to by medical personnel in office. Both the Hepatitis A and B vaccines have demonstrated similar adverse effect profiles, with the most common side effect proving to be soreness at the injection site that dissipates within 1-2 days post immunization (ASHA, 2023).

         The vaccines that protect children from sexual diseases are safe, effective, and vital in the prevention of serious health complications. In the spirit of national immunization month this August, ask your healthcare provider about these vaccinations and discuss any questions you may have surrounding the subject. The healthcare of our populous depends on open, respectful communication while discussing these complex health topics.

Training Calendar 2024

Training events designed for professionals in sex education, healthcare, education, prevention work, social work, public health, child and family services, and similar fields. College students studying in these areas are also welcome to join us.

Join us from the comfort of your home or at the office for these virtual trainings in January and February of 2024!

Draw the Line/Respect the Line Curriculum: Training of Educators (TOE)

Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 12:30-3:30PM CT

Location: Virtual

Cost: $175

Embark on a comprehensive exploration of the highly acclaimed Draw the Line/Respect the Line sexual health education curriculum. This engaging session offers participants a deep dive into the theoretical foundations and research behind the program. Discover best practices for seamless implementation and gain valuable insights on adapting lessons to meet specific needs. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and expertise in this popular curriculum.

*This training counts for 3 hours towards CSHE initial and re-certification.

Pre-registration is required. Registration closes at 5pm CT on January 26th. To register, please click here.

FLASH Curriculum: Training of Educators (TOE)

Wednesday, February 14, 2024,12:30-3:30PM CT

Location: Virtual

Cost: $175

Discover the power of effective teaching with the FLASH curriculum in this engaging and interactive training session. Gain insights into the theoretical foundations, research, and best practices for navigating sensitive topics. With hands-on practice, participants will build confidence in facilitating FLASH discussions. Secure your seat today to make a lasting impact on your students' sexual health education journey.

*This training counts for 3 hrs towards CSHE initial and re-certification.

Pre-registration is required. Registration closes at 5pm CT on February 9th. To register, please click here.

Rights, Respect, Responsibility (3R’s):

Training of Educators (TOE)

Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 12:30-3:30PM CT

Location: Virtual

Cost: $175

By request and popular demand, we are thrilled to offer this Training of Educators (TOE) for the 3Rs curriculum. 3Rs is a free, K-12 curriculum that has continued to grow in popularity across the state and country. This 3-hour, virtual training will cover all of the essentials for understanding and implementing 3Rs lessons.

*This training counts for 3 hrs towards CSHE initial and re-certification. Click here to learn about getting certified.

Pre-registration is required. Registration closes at 5pm CT on February 24. To register, please click here.

To view complete list of the trainings that EyesOpenIowa provides click here.

Check Out: EyesOpenAcademy

As a digital content library, Eyes Open Academy offers a diverse selection of self-paced modular content that caters to your specific needs. From videos and printables to interactive quizzes and more, our engaging resources ensure an immersive learning experience.

Discover a wide range of topics within our ever-growing library of content. It's worth noting that many Eyes Open Academy trainings contribute to certification or recertification within our esteemed Certified Sexual Health Educator (CSHE) program.

Embrace the flexibility and convenience of our on-demand platform, where knowledge is just a click away. Whether you're looking to expand your expertise or advance your career, Eyes Open Academy provides the tools you need to succeed.

Explore our collection of both free and fee-based training, and embark on a journey of professional growth through Eyes Open Academy.

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Listen in as a member of our Youth Advisory Council passionately explains why your investment in sex education is a beacon for positive change.

Why do you think people should fund sex education?

"Sex education is an essential topic for developing youth to be informed on. We are in an age of misinformation, stereotypes, and ignorance. If we do not have the tools to teach sex education, the number of misinformed and uneducated teens will grow. If we provide them with the resources to be informed on their decisions, we could ultimately avoid the stigma and discomfort around sex education."

-Youth Advisory Council Member, age 20