Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that only infects people. It can infect body sites and can cause cells at those places to multiply. Although most HPV infections are asymptomatic, they can lead to cervical cancer. HPV is also the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women worldwide. Non-cancer causing HPV can lead to genital and respiratory tract warts. Each year over six million people in the U.S. become newly infected. Half of those infected are young adults ages 15 to 24.

What will the vaccine do? It will help protect against diseases cause by human papillomavirus. These includes:
• Cervical cancer
• Abnormal and precancerous cervical lesions
• Abnormal and precancerous vaginal lesions
• Abnormal and precancerous vulvar lesions
• Genital warts

What are cervical cancer, precancerous lesions and genital warts? Cancer of the cervix is serious and can be life-threatening. Some human papillomavirus subtypes can cause the cells lining the cervix to change from normal to precancerous lesions. If not treated, these can turn cancerous.

Certain types of HPV cause genital warts. They appear as skin-colored growths on the inside or outside of the genitals. They may itch, bleed and cause discomfort. Removal of these warts can be uncomfortable.

Will the vaccine protect against all forms of cervical cancer? As with most vaccines, the HPV vaccine is not 100 percent protective. The vaccine should not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening. There are over 100 different subtypes of HPV. The HPV vaccine guards against only four of them. However these four subtypes have been shown to cause over 70 percent of cervical cancer and 90 percent of genital warts.

Are there any reasons someone should not use the HPV vaccine? Yes, anyone who is allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine or anyone who has an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the HPV vaccine should not get the vaccine.

How is the HPV vaccine given? At Partners in Pediatrics, it is given as a three-dose regimen at a girl’s 11-year-old check up. The second dose comes four months after the first dose and the third dose is given six months after the initial dose.

My daughter has already had her 11-year check up. Is it too late to start the vaccine series? No. The series can start at any time after the 11-year-old exam through age 26.

What are the side effects of the vaccine? As with all vaccines, there is a potential for side effects. In studies, the HPV vaccine has been show to be well tolerated in girls down to age nine. The most common side effects are:
• Pain, swelling or itching at the injection site
• Fever

Does the HPV vaccine contain thimerisol? No.

Will the HPV vaccine help if someone already has human papillomavirus? You may still benefit because most people who have had human papillomavirus are not infected with all four types contained in the vaccine.

Who is at risk for human papillomavirus? It has been estimated that 50 percent of sexually active people will catch HPV at some point in their lives. Any male or female engaging in sexual activity is at risk. Many people infected with HPV will not show any signs or symptoms and can pass it to others unknowingly.

Is the vaccine available now? Yes. It will be offered at a girl’s 11-year-old physical. For further information, contact your Partners in Pediatrics clinic.