The HPV Vaccine, GARDASIL, is now available at our Health Centers!
HPV stands for human papilloma virus. Some types of HPV are sexually transmitted. They can infect the throat and the genital area — the vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, or scrotum. Some types may cause genital warts. Other types may cause cell changes that can lead to cervical and other cancers. Most types seem to have no harmful effect at all.
The HPV vaccine protects us against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. Here are the answers to some questions women commonly ask about the HPV vaccine. If you are trying to decide if you or a young woman in your life should get the vaccine, we hope these answers help you decide.
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How Does the HPV Vaccine Work?
The HPV vaccine protects against HPV types 16 and 18. They cause 7 out of 10 cases of cervical cancer. It also protects against types six and 11. They cause 9 out of 10 cases of genital warts.
The vaccine makes your body's immune system produce antibodies to these HPV types. The antibodies protect you from getting infected with HPV.
The HPV vaccine is given in a series of three shots. You will get the second shot two months after the first shot. You will get the third shot four months after the second shot. So, in all, it takes six months to get all three shots.
The vaccine will protect you against HPV for at least five years. It may last much longer, or you may need a booster shot. More studies need to be done to show how long it lasts.
Should I Get the HPV Vaccine? Should My Daughter Get It?
It is recommended that all girls 11 to 12 years old get the HPV vaccine. Girls as young as nine and women as old as 26 can also get the vaccine. The HPV vaccine works best in girls who have not yet had sex or been exposed to HPV. But even girls and women who have had sex may benefit from the vaccine.
Some studies have found that the HPV vaccine may be effective for older women and men. But more studies need to be done. So, the vaccine is not generally recommended for women older than 26 or for boys and men.
But no matter who you are or how old you are, talk with a health care provider to find out if the HPV vaccine could benefit you or your daughter.
How Safe Is the HPV Vaccine?
Studies show that the HPV vaccine is safe. The most common side effects are soreness, redness, swelling, or itching around the area where the shot is given. Some women get a mild fever. But these symptoms do not last long and pass on their own.
As with all vaccines, there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction. If you have dizziness, a fast heart beat, high fever, hives, or weakness, call your health care provider right away. If you have difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
Can I Get HPV from the HPV Vaccine?
No. There is no live virus in the vaccine, so it can't give you an infection.
If I Already Have an HPV Infection, Can the HPV Vaccine Treat It?
No, the vaccine is not a treatment for HPV. It can only prevent a new HPV infection. But if you have HPV, the vaccine may help protect you from getting another type of HPV. There are treatments available for genital warts and for cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer. Talk with your health care provider about what tests and treatments you may need.
Do I Still Need Pap Tests if I've Had the HPV Vaccine?
Yes. You should continue getting Pap tests. The HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cancer. So it's still important for you to get Pap tests to detect any cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer.
Where Can I Get the HPV Vaccine?
YOU CAN GET THE VACCINE AT ONE OF OUR SEVEN HEALTH CENTERS.
