HPV Vaccine (Gardasil)

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine

HPV is a very common virus. In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 20 million people in the United Sates had this virus. There are about 40 types of HPV. Some cause no harm. Other types can cause diseases of the genital area. For most people the virus goes away on its own. When the virus does not go away it can develop into cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, or genital warts, depending on the HPV type. HPV is important because every year in the U.S. about 10,000 women get cervical cancer and 3,700 die from it. It is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among women around the world. In 2005, the CDC estimated that at least 50% of sexually active people catch HPV during their lifetime.

A male or female of any age who takes part in any kind of sexual activity that involves genital contact is at risk. Many people with HPV may not show any signs or symptoms. This means that they can pass on the virus to others and not know it. There is no treatment for HPV infection, but the conditions it causes can be treated.

Gardasil [Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (Types 6, 11, 16, 18) Recombinant Vaccine]

Gardasil is a vaccine that helps protect against the 4 major types of HPV. These include the 2 types that cause about 70% of cervical cancer and 2 types that cause 90% of genital warts. HPV vaccine can prevent most genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer.

Protection is expected to be long-lasting. Vaccinated women still need cervical cancer screening because the vaccine does not protect against all HPV types that cause cervical cancer. HPV vaccine works best when given before you or your child has any contact with certain types of HPV. For these girls, the vaccine can prevent almost 100% of disease caused by the 4 types of HPV targeted by the vaccine.

Recommendations

HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for girls 11-12 year of age. It may be given to girls or women 9 through 26 years of age.

HPV vaccine is given as a 3-dose series:
1st Dose: NOW
2nd Dose: 2 months after Dose 1
3rd Dose: 6 months after Dose 1

Cost

$126.00
Age 13-26 must pay for each dose (Series of three)

Side effects

Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to yeast, to any other component of HPV vaccine or to a previous dose of HPV vaccine should not get the vaccine. Pregnant women should not get the vaccine. People with moderate or severe illnesses should wait until they recover. HPV vaccine does not appear to cause any serious side effects. Several mild problems may occur with HPV vaccine including: pain at the injection site, redness or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, itching at the injection site and moderate fever.

Questions and Answers for the Public about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted questions and answers for the public about HPV vaccine safety and effectiveness.  

If you have any questions regarding this vaccine, please contact the health department.