At Modern Women’s Health, overall wellness is a primary focus. This is why we provide the HPV vaccination. Getting this vaccination early on can help prevent cancer and other conditions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, all males and females ages 11-12 years old should get the HPV vaccine. Those who get their first shot at age 15 or older will need three doses of the vaccine over the course of six months.
The HPV vaccine is also recommended for females and males through the age of 45 who didn’t get (or complete) their vaccination when they were younger. Even if you’re older, it’s important to speak with us about the HPV vaccine.
The majority of cervical cancer cases are avoidable by vaccinating against HPV. This is because cervical cancer begins with an HPV infection. In women, HPV can lead to an infection, which may cause dysplasia — an abnormality on the cervix which can progress to cervical cancer. Because HPV is so commonly spread, getting the vaccine is very important.
HPV is usually spread through sexual contact, and most people get it at some point during their life. HPV often does not show symptoms, and individuals may not know they have it. Or, symptoms may show up years after being first infected. This can make it difficult to know exactly where the virus was contracted, or who you may have spread it to.
Are there any side effects of the HPV vaccine?
How well does the HPV vaccine work?
Does the HPV vaccine protect someone who’s already had it against other types?
Does the HPV vaccine protect against every kind of HPV?
Although the HPV vaccine is deemed safe, it can cause side effects (like any other vaccine). The most common side effects of the HPV vaccine include pain/swelling/redness at the injection site; headache; nausea; dizziness, and fever. Many younger teens will also faint after injection. This is normal.
The vaccine works very well. Over the course of eight years, most HPV cancers and genital warts were reduced by 71% in teenage girls and 61% among young women.
Yes. Those who have already had one or more strains of the HPV virus will still be protected from other strains of HPV if they get vaccinated.
No. This is why it’s very important to have a Pap smear and HPV test regularly. Females between the ages of 21-29 should get a Pap smear at least every three years to check for abnormal cells. Females between the ages of 30-64 should have an HPV and Pap smear every five years.
