Patient information: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (The Basics)

Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate

What is the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine? The HPV vaccine helps keep people from
getting infected with a germ called human papillomavirus, or HPV.
Vaccines are treatments that can prevent infections. They work by preparing the body to fight the
germs that cause the infections. Vaccines usually come in shots, but some come in nose sprays or
medicines that people swallow. Vaccines are also called vaccinations or immunizations.
Why should I get the HPV vaccine? The HPV vaccine can help keep you from getting an HPV
infection. An HPV infection in the genitals can lead to cancer of the cervix (cervical cancer) in
women (figure 1). An HPV infection in the genitals can also cause genital warts in women and men.
Plus, an HPV infection in the mouth and throat can lead to cancer of the mouth and throat in women
and men.
Most people who have an HPV infection in the genitals or mouth and throat never have problems
with cancer. Still, it is hard to know which people will get cancer after an HPV infection. The HPV
vaccine is a good way to try to prevent getting infected in the first place.
How can people get infected with HPV? People can get infected with HPV if their mouths or
genitals touch the mouths or genitals of someone who is infected. People who have a lot of sex
partners have a higher chance of getting an HPV infection.
What are the symptoms of an HPV infection? Most people do not have any symptoms when
they get infected with HPV. And often, the infection will get better on its own. But in some people,
the infection doesnt go away. People with a long-lasting HPV infection have a higher chance of
getting cervical cancer, mouth or throat cancer, or genital warts. These problems usually happen
many years after a person is first infected.
Are different HPV vaccines available? Yes, 3 different HPV vaccines are available. All HPV
vaccines come in shots. All involve getting 3 doses over 6 months.
At what age do people get the HPV vaccine? Most doctors recommend that people get the
HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. But people can get the vaccine any time from age 9 to 26. Women
should not get the vaccine if they are pregnant.
The HPV vaccine works best when it is given before a person gets infected with HPV. The HPV
vaccine cant cure an HPV infection that a person already has. Thats why it is better to get the HPV
vaccine before you have sex for the first time. If you have already had sex, talk with your doctor or
nurse. He or she might recommend that you get the HPV vaccine anyway, because it could still help
you.
What side effects can the HPV vaccine cause? The HPV vaccine can cause redness,
swelling, or soreness where the shot was given. It can also cause people to pass out, but this is
uncommon. To make sure that this doesnt happen, your doctor or nurse will have you stay on the
exam table for a few minutes after the shot.
Does the HPV vaccine always work? The HPV vaccine is very good at preventing HPV
infection and cervical cancer. It might also prevent mouth and throat cancer. But it is not perfect. In
some cases, people who get the vaccine can still get an HPV infection.

Does the HPV vaccine prevent other diseases you catch through sex? No. The HPV
vaccine does not keep people from getting or spreading other diseases that are spread through sex.
To keep from getting or spreading a disease that is spread through sex, you should always use a
condom.
Do I need to be checked for cervical cancer if I get the vaccine? Yes. All women, including
those who get the HPV vaccine, should be checked on a routine schedule for cervical cancer. Most
women are checked using a test called a pap smear starting at age 21.
How do I know if I have an HPV infection? If you have genital warts, you have an HPV
infection. But this is not the same type of HPV that can lead to cancer. If you are a woman, your
doctor might check for HPV infection on your pap test. There are no tests to check for HPV infection
in the mouth or throat.
More on this topic
Patient information: Vaccines (The Basics)
Patient information: Vaccines for children age 7 to 18 years (The Basics)
Patient information: Vaccines for adults (The Basics)
Patient information: Anogenital warts (The Basics)
Patient information: Cervical cancer (The Basics)
Patient information: Choosing birth control (The Basics)
Patient information: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Adult vaccines (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Cervical cancer screening (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Genital warts in women (Beyond the Basics)
Patient information: Cervical cancer treatment; early stage cancer (Beyond the Basics)
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is
complete.
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Jul 30, 2015.
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