Updates to Choosing the Best PATH,
Student Manuals (Third Edition)

1. In mid-2006, a new vaccine for HPV was approved for use.  Therefore, Choosing the Best has added the following language on page 11 of the PATH Student Manual under the topic of HPV:
   
   “A new vaccine against HPV is currently available for females and protects against the strains of HPV that are the most common causes of cervical cancer and genital warts.  While the vaccine is expected to reduce rates of cervical cancer, it does not provide complete protection.  Sexually active females are still at risk.  Students should talk with their parents and doctors about this vaccine.”
   
   
2. According to a report released by the National Institutes of Health in 2001, many studies of HPV and condom use indicated that condoms did not provide protection against HPV.   However, in 2006, a new study was released which indicated that for consistent condom users, condoms provided some protection against HPV.  Therefore, on page 18, this language has changed from “Many studies show that condoms are not effective in protecting against HPV...” to say:
   
   “Studies also show that condoms are less effective in protecting against HPV...”

The results of this study are also incorporated into the chart on page 19, in the portion of the chart which covers HIV/STD prevention of the male condom.  The phrase “not effective against HPV” has been removed.

Please call 1-800-774-BEST (2378) with questions.