HPV Vaccine - Questions and Answers

The first vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases in females caused by certain types of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is now available. The vaccine, Gardasil®, protects against four types of HPV, which together cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. This vaccine is recommended for girls/women, ages 9-26 years. The vaccine is given through a series of three shots over a six-month period.

The Basics about Genital HPV & Cervical Cancer

Genital HPV is a common virus that is passed on through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. About 40 types of HPV can infect the genital areas of men and women. While most HPV types cause no symptoms and go away on their own, some types can cause genital warts and cancer. HPV can cause cervical cancer in women and has been linked to other less common genital cancers— including cancers of the anus, vagina, and vulva. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006, over 9,700 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 3,700 women will die from this cancer in the U.S.

How common is HPV?
At least 50% of sexually active people will get HPV at some time in their lives. HPV is most common in young women and men who are in their late teens and early 20s. Anyone who has ever had genital contact with another person can get HPV and pass it on to their sex partners – without even realizing it – since it often has no symptoms. Luckily, most of the time people will be infected with the types of HPV that go away on their own.

Can HPV and its associated diseases be treated?
There is no treatment for HPV. The best approach is prevention: get vaccinated. However, if a person does become infected, there are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause, such as genital warts, cervical cell changes, and cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina and anus. These treatments include freezing and laser, and some individuals’ bodies clear the virus on their own.

The Basics on the Vaccine

Studies have found the vaccine to be almost 100% effective in preventing diseases caused by the four HPV types covered by the vaccine– including precancers of the cervix, vulva and vagina, and genital warts. This vaccine does not treat existing HPV infections, genital warts, precancers or cancers.

How long does vaccine protection last? Will a booster shot be needed?
The length of vaccine protection (immunity) is usually not known when a vaccine is first introduced. So far, studies found that women are still protected up to five years.

Will girls/women who have been vaccinated still need cervical cancer screening?
Yes, it is important to still have regular cervical cancer screening.

What does the vaccine not protect against?
Because the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV, it will not prevent all cases of cervical cancer or genital warts. About 30% of cervical cancers and about 10% of genital warts will not be protected by the vaccine— nor will it prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For this reason, it is still very important to use latex barriers when engaging in sexual activity. Sexually active women may benefit less from the vaccine since they may have already acquired one or more HPV type(s) covered by the vaccine. However, these women may still benefit from the vaccine, since they may not have been infected with all four types the vaccination covers.

What about vaccinating boys?
boys or men. Studies are now being done to find out if the vaccine works to prevent HPV infection and disease in males.

• Adapted from CDC HPV Information
• Visit www.cdc.gov/std/hpv
• For more information call 893-7051
• To make an appointment for the vaccine call 893-3371