Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is an infection that affects both males and females and is transmitted mainly through sexual contact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 150 strains of the virus and over 14 million people are infected yearly. Once exposed to the virus there is a chance that it may regress spontaneously. However, HPV can cause genital warts and even cancers of the cervix, vagina, anus, penis, mouth and throat. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2017 there will be:
about 12,820 new cases of invasive cervical cancer diagnosed, approximately 4,210 women will die from cervical cancer, about 2,120 new cases of penile cancer diagnosed and approximately 360 deaths from penile cancer

In 2006, the first HPV vaccine was manufactured. The goal of the vaccine is to prevent genital warts and cancer. Both males and females should be vaccinated between the ages of nine through 26 years of age.

In calendar year 2016, a total of 253 people received HPV vaccine in Garrett County. There were 126 males and 124 females vaccinated. Three people vaccinated did not have gender identified.