Learning About the HPV Vaccine

What is the HPV vaccine?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against HPV. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are many types of HPV. Some types of the virus can cause genital warts. Other types can cause cervical or oral cancer and some uncommon cancers, such as anal and vaginal cancer.

Age 11 or 12 is when the vaccine is most often given, but it can be given from age 9 to 26. If you are age 27 to 45 and have not been vaccinated for HPV, ask your doctor if getting the vaccine is right for you.

Ask your doctor how many doses you should get.

Who should get the vaccine?

Experts recommend that children age 11 or 12 get the HPV vaccine, but the vaccine can be given from age 9 to 26. If you are age 27 to 45 and have not been vaccinated for HPV, ask your doctor if getting the vaccine is right for you.

Ask your doctor how many doses you should get.

Where can you get vaccinated in your area?

There are many resources to help you find where to go to get vaccinated. You can go to your local pharmacy or visit their website to make an appointment. Your primary care provider may also be able to give you a vaccine or help your find where to go. Other good resources are your local health department or your health insurance company. They can also give you information on vaccines and help you know where to get them.

What else do you need to know?

The best time for a person to get the vaccine is before becoming sexually active. This is because the vaccine works best before there is any chance of infection with HPV. When the vaccine is given at this time, it can prevent almost all infection by the types of HPV the vaccine protects against.

Having the HPV vaccine does not change the schedule for getting Pap tests. If you've had the HPV vaccine, follow the same Pap test schedule as those who haven't had the vaccine.

If you are a parent of a child who's getting the vaccine, talk to your child about HPV and the vaccine. It's a chance to teach your child about safer sex and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The vaccine can have side effects. Common side effects from the vaccine include headache, fever, and redness or swelling at the site of the shot.

• Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), to relieve common side effects. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the sore area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.