HPV vaccine

Definition

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against infection by certain strains of HPV. HPV can cause cervical cancer and genital warts.

HPV has also been linked to other kinds of cancers, including vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, mouth, and throat cancers.

Alternative Names

Vaccine - HPV; Immunization - HPV; Gardasil; HPV2; HPV4; Vaccine to prevent cervical cancer; Genital warts - HPV vaccine; Cervical dysplasia - HPV vaccine; Cervical cancer - HPV vaccine; Cancer of the cervix - HPV vaccine; Abnormal Pap smear - HPV vaccine; Vaccination - HPV vaccine

Information

HPV is a common virus that is spread through sexual contact. There are several types of HPV. Many types don't cause problems. However, some types of HPV can cause cancers of the:

  • Cervix, vagina, and vulva in women
  • Penis in men
  • Anus in women and men
  • Back of the throat in women and men

The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer. Other less common types of HPV can also cause cervical cancer.

The vaccine does not treat cervical cancer.

WHO SHOULD GET THIS VACCINE

The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls 9 through 14 years old. The vaccine is also recommended for people up to 26 years old who haven't already gotten the vaccine or finished the series of shots.

Certain people between the ages of 27 to 45 may be candidates for the vaccine. Talk to your health care provider if you think you are a candidate in this age group.

The vaccine can offer protection against HPV-related cancers in any age group. Certain people who may have new sexual contacts in the future and could be exposed to HPV should also consider the vaccine.

HPV vaccine is given as a 2-dose series to boys and girls 9 through 14 years old:

  • First dose: now
  • Second dose: 6 to 12 months after the first dose

The vaccine is given as a 3-dose series to people 15 through 26 years old, and to those who have weakened immune systems:

  • First dose: now
  • Second dose: 1 to 2 months after the first dose
  • Third dose: 6 months after the first dose

Pregnant women should not receive this vaccine. However, there have been no problems found in women who received the vaccine during pregnancy before they knew they were pregnant.

WHAT ELSE TO THINK ABOUT

The HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer. Girls and women should still receive regular screening (Pap test) to look for precancerous changes and early signs of cervical cancer.

The HPV vaccine does not protect against other infections that can be spread during sexual contact.

Talk to your provider if:

  • You are not sure whether you or your child should receive the HPV vaccine
  • You or your child develops complications or severe symptoms after getting an HPV vaccine
  • You have other questions or concerns about the HPV vaccine

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) VIS. www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/hpv.html. Updated August 6, 2021. Accessed February 6, 2024.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Vaccines & Immunizations. Adult Immunization Schedule by Age (Addendum updated June 27, 2024.). www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-age.html. Updated November 16, 2023. Accessed September 5, 2024.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Vaccine Schedules for You and Your Family. Updated February 10, 2023. Accessed September 5, 2024.www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-schedules/index.html

Review Date: 1/1/2023
Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Internal review and update on 02/06/2024 by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 09/05/2024.

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