HPV stands for Human papillomavirus, a common virus that can infect both men and women. In some cases, however, it can lead to issues such as genital warts or a few different kinds of cancer including cervical cancers. HPV vaccines were created by scientists to help protect individuals against the types of HPV that most commonly cause health problems. Since the first HPV vaccine was approved in 2006, we have achieved amazing success.

How do HPV Vaccines Work?

Like most vaccines, HPV shots have a pretty high success rate. These particles look like the virus to your immune system, but they are not able to infect you or cause disease. With the vaccine, your body is producing antibodies against those particles. So, if you are ever exposed to the actual virus there will be a defence system set in place that attacks immediately which prevents any damage from being done.

Types of HPV Vaccines

There are three types of HPV vaccines that have been used throughout the world:

  • Quadrivalent vaccine - Gardasil This vaccine is effectively used against genital warts and HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.

  • Bivalent vaccine - Cervarix Protects against 2 types of HPV namely type 16 and 18.

  • Nonavalent vaccine - Gardasil 9 This vaccine protects against 9 types pf HPV including type 6 and 11 that cause 90% genital warts and 16 and 18, which cause cervical cancers.

These HPV vaccines are extremely effective at preventing different types of HPV.

Preventing Cervical Cancer

One of the primary objectives of vaccination against HPV is to prevent cervical cancer and other HPV related cancers like throat and anal cancer. Administration of vaccines has reduced HPV related cancer cases to a large extent across the world.

Are There Any Side Effects After Taking HPV Vaccine?

As with any medication or medical treatment, HPV vaccines can have side effects. The most frequent adverse effects are mild, such as pain, swelling or redness at the injection site and headache which settle soon. HPV vaccines have been licensed for use in the United States and many other countries around the world. Millions of doses have been administered worldwide and safety studies indicate that they are safe for most people.

Who should receive the HPV vaccine?

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], boys and girls should receive the HPV vaccine at ages 11 or 12 before exposure to the virus (although it can be given as early as age nine). It is a bit different for adults aged between 27-45 as the vaccine works for this age group, but may not be that helpful if they have already been exposed to HPV.

Some Common Questions about HPV Vaccination

I read the vaccine is only good for a couple years. Is that true?

In fact, research has shown that the HPV vaccine provides immunity for at least 10 years and more. No studies suggest that its effect diminishes with time.

If I am already sexually active, does it do any good to get vaccinated?

Even if you've already had sex, the odds are still good that you haven't been exposed to all of the HPV types covered by vaccination. This way, you may still benefit from being vaccinated.

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