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What is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine? — The HPV vaccine helps keep people from getting infected with a germ called "human papillomavirus," or "HPV."
Vaccines can prevent certain serious or deadly infections. They work by preparing the body to fight the germs that cause the infections. Vaccines are also called "vaccinations" or "immunizations."
Why should I get the HPV vaccine? — The HPV vaccine can help keep you from getting an HPV infection. There are different types of HPV, which can lead to different problems. Some of these problems can be serious:
●An HPV infection in the genitals can cause cancer of the cervix (figure 1), vagina, or penis. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts.
●An HPV infection around the anus can cause cancer of the anus (anal cancer)
●An HPV infection in the mouth and throat can cause cancer of the mouth and throat
Most people who have an HPV infection in the genitals or mouth and throat never have problems with cancer. Still, it is hard to know which people will get cancer after an HPV infection. The HPV vaccine is a good way to prevent getting infected in the first place.
How can people get infected with HPV? — People can get infected with HPV if their mouth or genitals touch the genitals of someone who is infected. This mainly happens through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. But HPV can also be spread through close genital-to-genital contact, even without having sex.
Are different HPV vaccines available? — Yes, 3 different HPV vaccines are available. But they are not all available everywhere, so the one you get will depend on where you live. All HPV vaccines come in shots. The dosing for the shots depends on the person's age:
●People younger than 15 should get 2 doses, at least 6 months apart
●People 15 and older should get 3 doses over 6 months
People whose immune system (infection-fighting system) is weaker than normal should get a third dose, too. This includes people of all ages who have certain medical conditions or take certain medicines.
At what age do people get the HPV vaccine? — Most doctors recommend that people get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. But people can get the vaccine any time from age 9 to 26. People should not get the vaccine if they are pregnant.
The HPV vaccine works best when it is given before a person gets infected with HPV. The HPV vaccine can't cure an HPV infection that a person already has. That's why it is better to get the HPV vaccine before you have sex for the first time. If you have already had sex, talk with your doctor or nurse. They might recommend that you get the HPV vaccine anyway, because it could still help you.
What side effects can the HPV vaccine cause? — The HPV vaccine can cause redness, swelling, or soreness where the shot was given. It can also cause people to pass out, but this is uncommon. To make sure that this doesn't happen, your doctor or nurse will have you stay on the exam table for a few minutes after the shot.
You might have heard people claim that the HPV vaccine can cause serious health problems, like multiple sclerosis or other problems with the brain or nerves. Studies have shown that this is not true. If you have any questions about side effects, your doctor or nurse is the best resource.
Does the HPV vaccine always work? — The vaccine is very good at preventing the types of HPV infection that can cause cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix) and vaginal cancer (cancer of the vagina). It might lower the risk of other types of cancer, too. The vaccine is also very good at preventing the types of HPV that cause genital warts.
The vaccine is not perfect. In some cases, people who get it can still get an HPV infection. But it is still the best way to lower the risk of HPV.
Does the HPV vaccine prevent other diseases you catch through sex? — No. The HPV vaccine does not keep people from getting or spreading other diseases that are spread through sex. To keep from getting or spreading a disease that is spread through sex, you should always use a condom.
Do I need to be checked for cervical cancer if I get the vaccine? — Yes. Most experts recommend cervical cancer "screening" starting at age 21 or 25. Screening can involve a Pap test or testing cells from the cervix for certain types of HPV. Pap tests are a way for a doctor to look for cancer cells in the cervix. They also look for cells that could turn into cancer, called "precancer."
Getting the HPV vaccine lowers your chances of getting cervical cancer. But it does not completely protect you. You should still be screened for cancer or precancer.
Patient education: Human papillomavirus (HPV) (The Basics)
Patient education: What you should know about vaccines (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for children age 7 to 18 years (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Cervical cancer screening tests (The Basics)
Patient education: Anogenital warts (The Basics)
Patient education: Cervical cancer (The Basics)
Patient education: Choosing birth control (The Basics)
Patient education: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Cervical cancer screening (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Genital warts in women (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Cervical cancer treatment; early-stage cancer (Beyond the Basics)
