HPV Vaccination
What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus. HPV is usually passed between sexual partners during intercourse, but can also be spread by touching genitals without sex. Most people will be exposed to HPV at some point during their lives. Usually, your body’s immune system can fight off the HPV infection, but sometimes it doesn’t. HPV can cause cancers, genital warts, and a rare disease called
recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. HPV can cause cancer of the cervix (lower part of the uterus or womb), vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and mouth and throat (usually the tonsils and tongue). Over 35,000 cancers caused by HPV are diagnosed in the US every year. Scientists estimate that we can prevent almost 90% of these cancers with HPV vaccination.
How do HPV vaccines work?
HPV vaccines prevent the types of HPV most likely to cause cancer, genital warts, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. The vaccines do not contain the virus, so they cannot give you HPV and they cannot cause cancer. HPV vaccines contain a small piece of the virus’s outer shell. They teach your body to recognize the virus and kill it before it can cause damage to your body.
Are HPV vaccines effective?
YES! People who have received HPV vaccines are 90% less likely to get an HPV infection than people who are not vaccinated. We have also seen decreases in cervical pre-cancer and cervical cancer in young women since we have started routinely giving HPV vaccination.
Are HPV vaccines safe?
YES! HPV vaccines first became available in 2006. They have been used around the world since that time and are monitored continuously for safety in over 180 countries. More than 270 million doses have been given worldwide, with more than 120 million doses given in the US. No serious side effects have been found. The common side effects for HPV vaccines are similar to other vaccines and include a sore arm, and occasionally fatigue or a mild headache. These usually go away after a day or two.
Who should get an HPV vaccine?
It is recommended that all children receive 2 doses of HPV vaccine before their 13th birthday. The series is usually started at age 9-12 years. HPV vaccine doses are given 6-12 months apart. Vaccine series started after the 13th birthday are considered “late,” but can still be effective to prevent HPV infections. Three doses are required if the series is started after the 15th birthday. Late or catch-up vaccination is recommended for everyone through age 26 years.
Will my insurance pay for the HPV vaccine?
HPV vaccination will be covered by insurance for all children and adolescents through the age of 18. After the age of 18, coverage depends on the individual insurance carrier.
How effective is HPV vaccination at age 27-45 years?
The CDC estimates that 80% of HPV infections that will go on to cause cancer are acquired by age 26. For this reason, studies in 27-45 year olds did not show a significant decrease in pre-cancer or cancer. The CDC recommends that you talk to your healthcare provider if you are considering HPV vaccination. This is called shared decision-making. You are most likely benefit from HPV vaccination between the age of 27 and 45 if you have had only 1 or 2 lifetime sexual partners but may be exposed to HPV in a new relationship. Some data indicate that HPV vaccination can help to prevent recurrence of pre-cancer after treatment.
For more information on HPV vaccines, please visit: CDC, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or American Cancer Society.
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