Human papillomavirus (HPV)

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  • WHAT IT PROTECTS AGAINST

    Human Papillomavirus (cervical cancer and genital warts)

  • WHO IT’S FOR

    Adolescents

  • WHEN IT’S ROUTINELY GIVEN

    9-12 years

  • BENEFITS

    • Protects against serious illness and complications from humanpapilloma virus:
      • Cervical cancer
      • Vaginal cancer
      • Vulvar cancer
      • Anal cancer
      • Penile cancer
      • Throat cancer
      • Genital warts
    • Protects future fertility
    • Helps stop the virus from spreading to others

  • POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

    • Soreness around injection site
    • Mild fever
    • Dizziness or fainting
    • Headache

    Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and temporary. It’s always good to keep in mind that vaccine side effects are minor compared to the more severe health issues that can be caused if you get sick with the disease.

  • VACCINE PRODUCTS (available in the United States)

    • Gardasil 9 – 2 or 3 dose series

  • COMMON QUESTIONS

    Why is this vaccine given so early in adolescence if it’s spread through sexual activity?

    HPV is a cancer-preventing vaccine. The goal is to build protection before a child is ever exposed to the virus. Immune systems of children respond more strongly to build protection than immune systems of teens.

     

    Do boys also need the HPV vaccine?

    Yes, HPV can affect all genders and lead to cancers of the anus, penis, and throat, as well as genital warts.