HPV Vaccine: Is It For You?

There is a new vaccine that helps prevent cervical cancer and other conditions caused by certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Maybe you have heard about the HPV vaccine from a friend, parent, or your health care provider. So why is it such a big deal? It is the first vaccine that helps prevent a major type of cervical cancer! Not sure if the vaccine is right for you? Here is some information so you can decide.

What is HPV?

There are many different types of HPV. There are about 100 different types and more than 30 are sexually transmitted. Researchers keep track of the different types of HPV by identifying them with numbers — such as 6, 11, 16 and 18.
Some types cause genital warts, others cause pre-cancerous changes (cellular changes that can lead to cancer in the cervix later).

Are you at risk to get HPV?

If you have had sexual contact or plan to have sexual contact in your lifetime, you are potentially at risk for getting HPV. Any sexually active person — no matter what color, race, gender or sexual orientation — can get HPV. In fact, at least 1 in every 2 sexually active young women has had a genital HPV infection. About 20 million Americans of all ages know they have the HPV virus because they have had genital warts or an abnormal Pap test or have tested positive for HPV. However, most people do not know they have HPV because they have not had symptoms.
HPV and genital warts spread by skin-to-skin contact during any sexual contact with someone who is infected with HPV. This includes oral sex. Condoms can help protect against HPV but they aren’t perfect because HPV can be found on skin that isn’t covered by a condom. HPV can be in the skin and genital organs without any symptoms.

What is the HPV vaccine?

There is a new vaccine called Gardasil that protects young women against four types of HPV. The vaccine works to prevent two types of HPV (# 16 and #18), which have been linked to cervical cancer — and two other types — #6 and #11, which cause genital warts. The vaccine works best in young girls/women who have not yet come in contact with these viruses. That is why the vaccine is recommended for all 11 and 12 year old girls as a routine vaccination and for all young women 13-26 who have not yet had the vaccine. The HPV vaccine is given in a series of three shots over 6 months. The first shot is given at a time of your choice. The second shot should be given two months after the first shot, and the third shot should be given six months after the first shot.

Is the HPV vaccine effective?

When tested in girls who had not been exposed to HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18, the HPV vaccine was 100% effective in preventing infection. The vaccine is less effective in young women who have already come into contact with HPV. However, if a girl has been exposed to only type 6, the vaccine still gives protection against the others. So, even girls who have had sexual contact should get immunized.

The research is only 5-years old so studies don’t know what the long term effects are yet.

Are there any side effects with the vaccine?

Side effects are rare; however, some young women who get the vaccine may complain of pain, or have swelling or redness where they got the shot (arm or thigh). These discomforts are temporary but may last a couple of days. In very few cases, people may get a fever, feel dizzy, or feel sick to their stomach.

Is there any reason you should NOT get the vaccine?

The vaccine is not recommended if you’re pregnant, have certain blood conditions, an immune disorder or certain other medical problems. If you’re thinking of getting the vaccine, ask your health care provider if it’s a good idea for you to get it.

How do you know if you SHOULD get the vaccine?

Talk it over with your health care provider. Most people will become sexually active at some point in their lives and the vaccine is very effective in preventing the spread of HPV.
Should you get the vaccine if you’ve already had sex and don’t know if you have been exposed?
Yes. Girls and women should receive the vaccine even if they have already had sex. It is not necessary to have the HPV test before getting the vaccine.