Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to various health problems, including genital warts, cervical cancer, and anal cancer. While there are many types of HPV, certain strains are responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers and genital warts. In this blog post, we'll discuss the role of vaccination in preventing HPV infection and its associated complications.
What is the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against the most common cancer-causing strains of HPV. There are currently three HPV vaccines available in the United States:
Gardasil 9: This vaccine protects against nine strains of HPV, including those responsible for about 90% of cervical cancers and genital warts.
Cervarix: This vaccine protects against two strains of HPV that cause about 70% of cervical cancers.
Gardasil: This vaccine protects against four strains of HPV, including two that cause about 70% of cervical cancers and two that cause about 90% of genital warts.
All three vaccines are administered in a series of shots over a six-month period. The vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that protect against HPV infection.
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children ages 11 or 12 should get the HPV vaccine. The vaccine can be given as early as age 9 and is recommended for both boys and girls.
If you did not get the HPV vaccine as a child, it's not too late. The vaccine is also recommended for:
Women through age 26
Men through age 21
Men who have sex with men through age 26
Transgender people through age 26
Individuals with certain immunocompromising conditions through age 26
In some cases, the HPV vaccine may be recommended for adults up to age 45. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if the HPV vaccine is right for you.
How Effective is the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection with the HPV strains it targets. In clinical trials, the vaccines were found to be nearly 100% effective at preventing cervical precancers and genital warts caused by the targeted HPV strains.
Since the introduction of the HPV vaccine, there has been a significant decrease in the prevalence of HPV infections and HPV-related diseases in the United States. For example, a study published in the journal Pediatrics found that the prevalence of HPV infection among teenage girls decreased by 86% after the introduction of the HPV vaccine.
Safety of the HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. Like any vaccine, it can cause side effects, but these are usually mild and short-lived. Common side effects include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fever, headache, and nausea.
Serious side effects from the HPV vaccine are rare. In fact, studies have shown that the HPV vaccine is just as safe as other vaccines routinely recommended for adolescents.
The Importance of Continuing Regular Screening
While the HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection with the most common cancer-causing strains of HPV, it does not protect against all strains. Additionally, the vaccine is most effective when given before an individual becomes sexually active and is exposed to HPV.
For these reasons, it's important to continue regular cervical cancer screening (Pap tests) even if you have received the HPV vaccine. Regular screening can detect precancerous changes in the cervix early when they are most treatable.
DON'T WAIT TO TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER ABOUT THE HPV VACCINE
If you or your child are due for the HPV vaccine, don't wait to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against HPV infection and its associated complications, including genital warts and cancer.
Contact me today to schedule an appointment and discuss the HPV vaccine and other ways to protect your sexual health. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.