HPV and the Gardasil
vaccine
What is HPV?
Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most
common sexually transmitted diseases. There are over 30 strains of the
virus that are sexually transmitted, and at least 50% of sexually active men and
women will have acquired it at some point in their lives. It is also estimated
that by the age of fifty, at least 80% of women will have contracted HPV.
Most people infected by HPV will not show any symptoms and will clear the
infection on their own. However, HPV may not only lead to genital warts,
but can also result in cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, and penis.
Additionally, recent research suggests an association between HPV and certain
head and neck cancers.
How can I get it?
Sexually transmitted types of HPV are spread by
genital contact, as well as sexual intercourse. Though condoms reduce the
risk of transmission, they do not prevent it.
Why should I get the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine protects against 4 major types of
HPV. This includes 2 types that cause 70% of cervical cancers and 2 types
that cause 90% of genital warts. Though the vaccine will protect against
any of these 4 types of HPV, it is not effective against types of HPV that a
person has already been exposed to. Therefore, the vaccine is best given
prior to exposure, or before further exposure occurs.
Will I still need a PAP?
Yes! Because the vaccine does not protect
against all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and does not protect against
types that a person has already been exposed to, PAP screenings are still
needed.
What are the current vaccine recommendations?
The vaccine (Gardasil) is currently recommended for
girls 11-12 years old, though it may be given to girls as young as 9 years
old. It is also recommended for females 13-26 years of age who have not
yet received the vaccine series.
It is given as a 3-dose series:
*1st dose: now
*2nd dose: 2 months after the first dose
*3rd dose: 6 months
after the first dose
For more information:
Contact the EOU Student Health Center at 962-3524 for
further information on the vaccine.
Online resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/default.htm.
American Social Health Association (ASHA)
http://www.ashastd.org/hpv/hpv_learn_fastfacts.cfm.
Gardasil