The FDA has approved a vaccine that will protect girls and women from HPV. Read this to learn more about the vaccine and HPV.
About the vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects against some types of human papilloma (pap-ih-LO-ma) virus that can cause cervical cancer, genital warts and pre-cancerous changes to the cervix. The name of this vaccine is Gardasil. Gardasil protects against HPV types 6, 11,16 and 18.
It will not prevent HPV if you have the infection before getting the vaccine. It will not prevent other types of the HPV infections or other sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
Eligibility
Girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26 can get the vaccine.
Getting the vaccine
Gardasil is injected in the arm in three doses. The second dose is given 2 months after the first. The third dose is given six months after the first. For the best protection, you must get all 3 doses.
Side effects
Pain and swelling at the injection site lasting one to five days. You may get a low-grade fever (under 100.4o) lasting up to two weeks.
Precautions
Talk to your provider to make sure the vaccine is right for you, if:
- You have a bleeding disorder or if you are on a blood thinner;
- You have allergies;
- You are getting chemotherapy or radiation treatments;
- You are using steroids for a long time;
- You are being treated for AIDS or HIV; or
- You have had an organ transplant.
Common questions about the vaccine
When should I get the vaccine?
It is best to be vaccinated before your first sexual contact. This protects you before you can be exposed to the viruses.
What if I am already sexually active?
If you are sexually active you should still be vaccinated. The vaccine will not prevent infections if you have already been exposed to the virus, but it will protect you from new exposures.
Does the vaccine contain Thimerosal or mercury?
No. Gardasil does not contain thimerosal or mercury
Is the vaccine covered by insurance?
Yes, most private insurance pays for the vaccine. For children covered by MassHealth or who do not have insurance, the Vaccine for Children program will cover the cost.
Each dose is $120. The series of three vaccines is $360.
If you have an HPV infection
Can I get the vaccine if I have or have had a HPV infection?
Yes, even if you have one type of HPV, it can protect you from getting the other three types.
Can the vaccine cure my HPV infection?
No, it does not cure HPV infections. It can only prevent the virus.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Should I get the vaccine if I am pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant?
No. The vaccine is not recommended for you. It is best to wait to be vaccinated until after your pregnancy.
What if I get pregnant during the series of vaccines?
Tell your doctor; if you become pregnant during the time you are getting the vaccine. If you become pregnant during the vaccine series, wait for the other doses until after your pregnancy is completed.
If I am breastfeeding, should I get the vaccine?
No. It is safer to wait until after you have finished breastfeeding.
At this time, there is not enough information about the effects of this vaccine on pregnant women or breast milk.
Adolescent males, men and older women
Can an adolescent male, man or women older than 26 get the vaccine?
Right now, it is only approved for girls and women ages 9 to 26. Studies are being done to see if the vaccine can be used for adolescent males, men or older women.
Protecting yourself after being vaccinated
Once I get the vaccine do I still need to use safer sex practices (condoms)?
Yes. The vaccine does not protect you from other STDs like syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia. It will not protect you from other types of HPV that also can cause cervical cancer.
Do I still need to have regular Pap tests?
Yes, regular pap tests are still very important.
Why?
Gardasil does not protect you from all HPV types that can cause cervical cancer. If you are sexually active, you may already have one of the four types of HPV. And, it does not protect you from other STDs.
Common questions about HPV
What is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)?
HPV is the name given to a group of more than 100 different viruses. Many types of HPV are harmless. Some types are the most common forms of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). HPV 6 and 11 causes 90% of genital warts. These do not cause cancer. HPV 16 and 18 can cause changes in your cervix. These can turn into cancer if not treated. HPV 16 and 18 causes 70% of cervical cancers.
Who can get HPV?
Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV. More than half of all sexually active men and women will have HPV at some time in their lives.
What are the signs and symptoms of HPV?
There are no signs or symptoms for HPV. Most people will never know they had it. In most cases the virus goes away by itself without causing any health problems. Sometimes the virus does not go away. When it stays in the body for a long time, the risk for disease increases. Sexually active women are at a higher risk for getting cervical cancer or genital warts from HPV, if the virus does not go away.
For more information
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection
- The National Women's Health Information Center
- National Cancer Institute - Women's Cancers
- Clinical Information Sheet for Providers from the Centers for Disease Control (Updated on August 21, 2006)
Developed by the Women's Health Coordinating Council in conjunction with the Vincent Obstetrical and Gynecology Service and the Division of Adolescent Medicine, MassGeneralHospital for Children. August 21, 2006
