HPV vaccine

Q: I've been hearing about a vaccine that can decrease the risk for getting cervical cancer. Can you tell me more about it?

A: There are currently two vaccines available (Cervarix and Gardisil) that decrease the risk of cervical cancer caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus). There are 100+ types of HPV and 30+ types of HPV that can affect the genital area. HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70% of cervical cancer and HPV types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital warts. HPV is transmitted by any kind of sexual activity that involves skin to skin contact with the genital area (not just sexual intercourse). Getting the vaccine does not treat a current HPV infection and should not replace cervical cancer screening (such as pap smears). It is also still important to practice safe sexual practices as vaccines may not fully protect everyone and do not protect against non-vaccine HPV types or other STDs.

Gardisil is a quadrivalent vaccine that covers four HPV types (6, 11, 16 and 18) and Cervarix is a bivalent vaccine that covers two HPV types (16 and 18). The vaccines are approved for administration between the ages of 9 and 26 (Gardisil) and 10 to 25 (Cervarix). The vaccines are administered in a three shot series over six months. The vaccine should not be administered to women who are pregnant. Common side effects include pain, redness or swelling at injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. For more information on Cervarix visit www.cervarix.com and Gardisil visit www.gardisil.com.

I hope this helps!

Thanks,

~Lisa