HPV is a virus that currently affects approximately 20 million people in the U.S. 6.2 million more are infected each year. There are approximately 40 types of HPV; most HPV infections don’t cause any symptoms and go away on their own, so many people do not know that they are infected.
HPV is important because it is causes virtually all cases of cervical cancer worldwide. Every day in the U.S., 10 women die from cervical cancer- more than 3700 women per year. It is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. HPV is also associated with several less common types of cancer in men and women. It can also cause genital and upper respiratory tract warts.
HPV is spread through any type of sexual activity involving genital contact; intercourse is not necessary. 80% of sexually active women in the U.S. acquire HPV before they are 50 years old.
There is no treatment for HPV, but the symptoms it causes can be treated.
Why get the vaccine?
HPV vaccine is an inactivated (not live) vaccine that protects against 4 types of HPV. These include 2 types that cause 70% of cervical cancer and 2 types that cause 90% of genital warts. HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer.
Who should get the HPV vaccine and when?
HPV is routinely recommended for girls at their 11 year check up. The vaccine is also recommended for girls 12-26 years of age who did not receive it when they were younger.
It is a 3 dose vaccine: 1st dose: now
2nd dose: 2 months after dose 1
3rd dose: 6 months after dose 1
Why so young?
It is very important for girls to get the HPV vaccine before their first sexual contact because they have not been exposed to HPV. For these girls, the vaccine can prevent almost 100% of disease caused by the 4 types of HPV targeted by the vaccine. We are protecting them now for later.
What are the risks from the HPV vaccine?
Several mild side effects such as pain at injection site, redness or swelling or itching at injection site, or fever may occur. These symptoms do not last long and go away on their own. Serious allergic reactions to vaccines are rare.
