Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

According to the CDC, why should you get vaccinated?

HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccine can prevent infection with some types of human papillomavirus.

HPV infections can cause certain types of cancers including:

• cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers in women

• penile cancer in men

• anal cancers in both men and women

HPV vaccine prevents infection from the HPV types that cause over 90% of these cancers.

HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin or sexual contact.  HPV infections are so common that nearly all men and women will get at least one type of HPV at some time in their lives.

Most HPV infections go away by themselves within 2 years. But sometimes HPV infections will last longer and can cause cancers later in life.[1]

Who should get the vaccine?

HPV vaccine may be given beginning at age 9 years, and as late as age 45 years.1

How does getting the vaccine work?

• Females through age 26 years and males through age 21 years: 2- or 3-dose series HPV vaccine depending on age at initial vaccination; males age 22 through 26 years may be vaccinated based on individual clinical decision (HPV vaccination routinely recommended at age 11–12 years).[2]

• Ages 15+ at initial vaccination: 3-dose series HPV vaccine at 0, 1–2, 6 months (minimum intervals: 4 weeks between doses 1 and 2, 12 weeks between doses 2 and 3, 5 months between doses 1 and 3; repeat dose if administered too soon)1

HPV vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.1

[1]   HPV Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) <https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/hpv.html> [accessed Jan 20 2020]

[2]  Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule <hhttps://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/adult.html> [accessed Jan 20 2020]