The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps protect against infection by the strains of HPV that are most likely to cause the following:
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Cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer in women
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Anal cancer, throat cancer, and genital warts in both sexes
These disorders are caused by the human papillomavirus, which also causes genital warts.
The HPV vaccine contains only certain parts of the virus. The vaccine does not contain any live virus and thus cannot cause HPV infection.
For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine information statement.
(See also Overview of Immunization.)
There are three vaccines for HPV:
All three HPV vaccines protect against the two types of HPV (types 16 and 18) that cause about 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of anal cancers. The nine-valent vaccine and quadrivalent vaccine protect against the two types of HPV (types 6 and 11) that cause more than 90% of genital warts, in addition to protecting against types 16 and 18. Only the nine-valent vaccine and quadrivalent vaccine are recommended for boys and men.
Only the nine-valent vaccine is currently available in the United States.
Administration of HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine is given as an injection into a muscle in a 2-dose or a 3-dose series. If the initial dose of the HPV vaccination is given at age 9 to 14 years, a 2-dose series is given. If the initial dose of the HPV vaccination is given at age 15 years or older, a 3-dose series is given (see routine childhood vaccination).
The vaccine is recommended for
If people have a temporary illness, doctors usually wait to give the vaccine until the illness resolves (see also CDC: Who Should NOT Get Vaccinated With These Vaccines?).
Side Effects of HPV Vaccine
More Information
The following are some English-language resources that may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of these resources.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Information statement about HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine
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CDC: Information about people who should NOT get vaccinated with HPV vaccine
