Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines

HPV vaccines protect against a very common sexually transmitted virus called HPV or human papillomavirus. HPV infects at least 50% of sexually active people at some point in their lives. The body often eliminates the virus on its own. But if the virus persists, it can lead to cancer of the cervix, anus, and throat, as well as genital warts.

Like all vaccines, HPV vaccines are not reliable. They do not protect against all more than 100 types of HPV. But they are almost 100% effective in preventing diseases caused by high-risk strains of HPV, which together account for 90% of all cervical cancers, as well as many cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus and throat.

Gardasil 9 targets 9 HPV types: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. HPV-6 and HPV-11 cause approximately 90% of genital warts.

The vaccine contains a virus-like particle, but not the virus itself.

Insurance usually covers the cost of Gardasil. There is no need to be screened for cervical cancer or HPV before getting vaccinated. Ideally, you should receive it before you have the opportunity to be exposed to the virus. But even if you get infected with one strain, it can still protect you from others.

Side effects of the HPV vaccine

No serious side effects of the HPV vaccine have been reported, but some teenagers and young adults have experienced fainting after the injection. Mild side effects may include:

Pain, redness, or swelling where the needle entered your skin
Headache
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Weakness and fatigue
Muscle or joint pain

Like any vaccine, the HPV vaccine carries the risk of a serious allergic reaction. This is rare, but if you have swelling of your face and throat, difficulty breathing, or hives after a shot, seek help right away.

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

The vaccine works best if given at a young age, before sexual activity and before exposure to HPV.

Girls and boys aged 11 to 12. They should receive two doses 6 to 12 months apart. The series can be started from the age of 9.
Older teens and young adults under the age of 26 who have not yet been vaccinated. After 15 years, three doses are required.
Adult males and females aged 27 to 45 who have not previously been vaccinated and are at particular risk as determined by their physician.

Your body's immune response is not as strong if you get the vaccine as a teenager or older. And once you are sexually active, you may already be exposed. But the vaccine can still protect you from HPV strains you haven't been exposed to.

Who should not get the HPV vaccine?

If you are pregnant, it is recommended that you wait before getting the HPV vaccine. But there is no evidence that it harms the unborn baby. You also should not get vaccinated if you have had a reaction to a previous HPV vaccine or another vaccine, or if you are allergic to yeast. You should postpone the injection if you are moderately or severely ill.

HPV vaccines do not cure

Vaccines are not a cure for HPV. But they have been shown to provide long-term protection.

The HPV vaccination does not mean that women can miss a Pap test. It does not protect against all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Between the ages of 21 and 65, women should have a Pap test every 3 years. After age 30, the option of a Pap and HPV test or one HPV test every 5 years is also available.

HPV vaccine safety

Dozens of studies involving thousands of people around the world have shown the safety of HPV vaccines. Current government programs track vaccine problems, and so far very few serious problems have been found with HPV vaccines.