Guardasil - The HPV Vaccine
“The HPV Vaccine”
What is HPV?
Genital HPV is a common sexually transmitted genital virus passed through genital contact. It affects 6.2 million people in the United States. There are about 40 types of HPV that can affect the genital area. Genital HPV infections occur in one million people a year and affect 75% of the men and women in the US between 15 and 50. Most types of HPV infection cause no symptoms and resolve without treatment, however, some types can cause cervical cancer, genital warts and cancer of the anus, vaginal and vulva.
The most common genital HPV types are 6, 11, 16 and 18. Of these, types 16 and 18 are strongly associated with cervical cancer. Although it is possible for this sexually transmitted virus to clear from the cervix, sometimes HPV does not go away and the pre-cancer cells can lead to cervical cancer over time if not treated. The more common genital HPV types 6 and 11 can lead to genital warts.
Anyone who has had genital contact can unknowingly pass the HPV virus even if they have no symptoms of an infection.
Who is at risk?
• Young women and men between the ages 9-26 years
• Adolescents who are sexually active or sexually intimate
• Adolescents who smoke and or consume alcohol
• Adolescents with multiple sex partners
• Those who had a sexually transmitted infection in the past
• Those taking oral contraceptives, which increase cervical cell vulnerability to HPV
Is the vaccine 100% effective?
In young women not yet exposed to the virus, this vaccine is 100% effective in preventing diseases caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. This vaccine is less effective in young women already exposed to HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 and is not meant to replace treatment of diseases secondary to HPV. This vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV and will not prevent all cases of genital warts and cervical cancer. It does not protect the adolescent from other sexually transmitted infections.
How long does the protection last?
Studies have followed women for 5 years and found that they are still protected. At this time, it is unknown if a booster of this vaccine will be recommended at a future date. It is very important that your adolescent get all three doses of this vaccine for their protection. At this time it is not known if protection will occur if all recommended doses are not received.
Should you receive this vaccine if you have genital warts or an abnormal pap smear?
It is recommended that you receive the vaccine to prevent infection from HPV types not yet causing infection. This vaccine will not take away or stop current infection from HPV contracted.
You do not need to see a GYN prior to starting the vaccine series.
Is it still necessary to see a GYN for current abnormal pap smears or genital wart treatment?
This vaccine does not in any way take the place of GYN care and management. All adolescent girls who are sexually active, have a history of abnormal Pap smear or sexually transmitted infections should continue to be followed by a GYN. Also, advise your GYN that you have received this vaccine.
What about vaccinating boys?
Currently vaccinating males is not recommended. It is not yet known if it is effective for boys or men to receive this vaccine as research has not yet been conducted. It may be possible that males benefit by reducing genital warts and rare cancers of the penis and rectum as well as reducing the spread of HPV to women. As more information is available, the recommendations may change.
Should pregnant women get this vaccine?
This vaccine at this time is not recommended for pregnant women. So far, studies have shown that the vaccine has not caused health problems during the pregnancy for the mother or baby. If the vaccine series is started and you should become pregnant the series will be resumed after the completion of the pregnancy.
Is the vaccine thimerisol free?
Yes.
Will insurance pay for it?
Federal programs such as Vaccine for Children (VFC) will cover the vaccine. The VFC program offers vaccines to children who are either uninsured, Medicaid eligible, American Indian or Alaskan native. We recommend checking with your insurance company or Human Resource Department to determine your coverage prior to coming to our office for the vaccine.
Where can I get more information?
- CDC Guardasil
