Summary: HPV vaccines are designed to prevent certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections that can lead to cervical cancer, anal cancer, and other types of cancer. They have been shown to be safe and effective at reducing the incidence of HPV-related diseases.
1. What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses that can cause genital warts and cancers, including cervical cancer, anal cancer, and some types of head and neck cancer. It is a common sexually transmitted infection, with an estimated 79 million people in the United States currently infected.
Most people with HPV do not develop any symptoms and their immune system is able to clear the virus on its own. However, in some cases, the virus can persist and lead to the development of cancer.
The most effective way to prevent HPV-related cancer is to receive a HPV vaccine.
2. Types of HPV vaccines
There are currently three HPV vaccines approved for use in the United States: Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix. All three vaccines protect against two types of HPV (types 16 and 18) that cause the majority of cervical cancers. Gardasil and Gardasil 9 also protect against two types of HPV (types 6 and 11) that cause genital warts, while Cervarix does not.
Gardasil 9 is the most recently approved HPV vaccine, and it protects against nine types of HPV (types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58). It is the only HPV vaccine currently available in the United States that provides protection against these additional types of HPV.
The vaccines are administered in a series of two or three shots over a period of six months.
3. Who should receive the HPV vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all boys and girls receive the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12, before they become sexually active.
However, the vaccine can also be given to people up to age 26 if they did not receive it when they were younger. The vaccine is most effective when given before someone becomes sexually active, as it is designed to prevent new infections, not treat existing infections.
People with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV, may also benefit from the vaccine.
4. Safety and efficacy of HPV vaccines
HPV vaccines have been extensively studied and have been shown to be safe and effective at preventing HPV-related diseases.
In clinical trials, the vaccines were found to be over 90% effective at preventing infection with the targeted strains of HPV.
Common side effects of the HPV vaccine include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as fever, headache, and nausea. Serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, are rare.
5. Overcoming barriers to HPV vaccination
Despite the safety and efficacy of HPV vaccines, many people do not receive them due to a number of barriers.
One barrier is cost. HPV vaccines can be expensive, and some insurance plans do not cover them. However, under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans are required to cover the cost of the vaccine for people under age 27.
Another barrier is lack of knowledge or understanding about the vaccine. Some people may be hesitant to vaccinate their children due to concerns about vaccine safety or efficacy. Education and outreach efforts can help address these concerns and increase vaccine uptake.
Conclusion:
The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent certain types of HPV infections that can lead to cancer. All boys and girls should receive the vaccine at age 11 or 12, before they become sexually active. Parents, healthcare providers, and public health officials can work together to overcome barriers to vaccine uptake and ensure that everyone has access to this lifesaving intervention.