Teens have long been warned about the health risks of being sexually active, including the possibility of contracting the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Health officials now have added human papillomavirus (HPV) infection to the list.

Each member of the Y-Press team for this story is a teenage girl, and each believes learning about the human papillomavirus, or HPV, is important for youth and families. Readers can learn more about HPV and the different viewpoints these teens share.

While the vaccine is recommended for tweens, Cathy questions whether that is developmentally appropriate?

While the vaccine has been available and national advertising has occurred, Perri still feels the need to educate herself.

Alesha, who has made the decision to get the vaccine, believes the decision needs to be personal.

Using the polio vaccine as an example of when mandating was critical, Sarah wonders that may be the case for the HPV vaccination.