|
Human papillomaviruses are the known
cause of multiple cancers affecting the genital area and
oropharyngeal area as well as a known cause of external genital
lesions. There are currently two vaccines that protect against
human papillomavirus available.
The quadrivalent
vaccine protects against 4 types of the virus: HPV 16 and 18
that are known to cause cervical cancer in women as well
as other types of cancer in both men and women, and HPV 6 and 11
which cause external genital lesions in both men and women. The
bivalent vaccine protects against 2 types of the virus:
HPV 16 and 18.
At least 50%
of sexually active people living in the United States will
contract HPV at some point during their lives. Prevention is the
key to not contracting human papillomavirus, and the most
effective preventive method is the HPV vaccine.
|
Who should receive the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is currently
recommended for all females 11-12 years of age. It can
be given as young as 9 years of age. The vaccine is also
recommended to all females 13-26 years of age who have
not yet received the vaccine.
The quadrivalent vaccine may
also be provided to males 11-26 years of age.
To be protected, three doses
of HPV vaccine should be given over a 6-month period of
time.
Review the
vaccination
schedule for those who start late on a vaccine or are more than
one month behind.
|
When did the HPV vaccine become available?
The Food and Drug Administration licensed the
quadrivalent vaccine in 2006 for use among females 9-26 years. The
bivalent vaccine was licensed for use in 2009, and the quadrivalent
vaccine was licensed for use among males age 9-26. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention have recommended the use of either
vaccine for all females age 11-26 years and have indicated that the
quadrivalent vaccine may be used for males ages 11-26 who are
interested in preventing the disease.
How does someone become infected with HPV?
Genital HPV is passed through genital contact, most often during
vaginal or anal sex.
How effective is the HPV vaccine?
Both HPV vaccines are nearly 100
percent effective in protecting against HPV types 16 and 18, and
the quadrivalent vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective against
external genital lesions.
HPV 16 and 18 cause 70% of all
cervical cancer. Vaccinated females can develop cervical and
other cancers from non-vaccine HPV types, so cervical cancer
screenings with PAP smears after age 21 years of age should
still be performed.
Are there any serious side effects of the HPV vaccine?
Serious risks from the HPV vaccine are quite rare as compared to the
life-threatening risks associated with contracting HPV. The one mild
side effect is injection site soreness.
Mild side effects may include:
-
injection-site soreness and,
sometimes, swelling and redness
-
mild fever
-
fainting within 15 to 20 minutes
of vaccine recept
How do I learn more about this vaccine?
The best person to ask about this or any vaccine is your child’s
pediatrician or your primary health care provider. Your provider can
answer your questions and give you more information on the HPV
vaccine.
Immunization is the best thing you can do for your child
and yourself to protect
against HPV.
 
|
