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Protect their future from throat cancer with the HPV vaccine. Images of a mother and two children.

 

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Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects against human papillomavirus (HPV) — the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S.

  • Over 40 million people in the U.S. have HPV infection.
  • Nearly half of infections occur in teens and young adults ages 15 to 24.
  • Before the HPV vaccine was available, 80% to 90% of people got an HPV infection at some point in their lives.
  • While most HPV infections clear on their own, some will lead to cancer.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against HPV infections that can lead to cancer. The HPV vaccine prevents up to 90% of six cancers, including cervical, throat, and penile cancers.

HPV Vaccine Recommendations

The best way to prevent HPV infections and HPV-related cancers is with the HPV vaccine.

The vaccine works best for people who have not been exposed to HPV, which is why vaccination is recommended starting at age 9, long before possible exposure.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for:

  • Children ages 9 through 12
  • Adolescents and young adults through 26 who did not start or finish the HPV vaccine series when they were younger
  • Some adults ages 27 through 45 who did not get all recommended doses of the vaccine when they were younger

Children who start the series younger than age 15 should receive two shots at least six months apart. Anyone who starts the series at 15 or older will require three shots given over six months.

Even if someone is already sexually active or may have been exposed to HPV, they may still benefit from vaccination. The vaccine protects against several types of HPV, and it is unlikely that they have been exposed to all of them.

While most HPV infections happen in adolescence and young adulthood, anyone can get a new HPV infection if they have a new sex partner at any age. Adults who may be at risk of acquiring a new HPV infection should talk to their health care provider about the vaccine.

Vaccine Access

The HPV vaccine is available at School Based Health Centers in NYC public schools, pediatrician offices, NYC Sexual Health Clinics, and the NYC Immunization Clinic. Additional sites can be found on the NYC Health Map.

Minors (people younger than 18 years old) do not need parental or guardian permission to receive the HPV vaccine in New York State.

Vaccine Safety

HPV vaccines have been available since 2006, and millions of doses have been administered in the U.S. since then. It is safe and severe allergic reactions are rare.

Side effects are usually mild and short-lived. They include:

  • Soreness at the injection site
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nausea

The HPV vaccine does not cause fertility problems. However, not getting the HPV vaccine leaves people at risk for HPV-related cancers and precancers (abnormal cells that can lead to cancer) that can impact fertility:

  • People who develop a cancer caused by HPV will need treatment that can sometimes limit their ability to have children, such as a hysterectomy, chemotherapy, or radiation.
  • Treatment for cervical precancer could also put people at risk for problems with their cervix, which can sometimes cause preterm delivery.

Before being vaccinated, tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies, including to yeast. Anyone who has ever had a serious allergic reaction to any ingredient of the HPV vaccine, or to a previous dose of the HPV vaccine, should not get the vaccine.

People with a mild illness, such as a low-grade fever, cold, ear infection or mild diarrhea, can be vaccinated.

The HPV vaccine is not recommended for pregnant people and should not be given during pregnancy. However, studies do not show safety concerns for pregnant people or their fetus if the vaccine is accidentally given.

If a person is found to be pregnant after starting the vaccination series, they should wait to finish the series until they are no longer pregnant.

People who are breastfeeding may get the vaccine.

Vaccination Is Cancer Prevention

The HPV vaccine protects against nine types of HPV and has been shown to reduce HPV infections by 80%.

The HPV vaccine can prevent:

  • 91% of cervical cancers
  • 91% of anal cancers
  • 75% of vaginal cancers
  • 70% of oropharyngeal (back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) cancers
  • 69% of vulvar cancers
  • 63% of penile cancers

Oropharyngeal cancers are the most common HPV-related cancers in the U.S. Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-related cancer among women, and oropharyngeal cancer is the most common HPV-related cancer among men.

Cancer that results from HPV infections can take years to develop, and people may not have symptoms until the cancer is advanced.

HPV-related cancers are most treatable when they are diagnosed and treated early. Some HPV-related precancers can be detected through routine tests such as Pap smears.

Starting at age 21, people should have routine cervical cancer screening. Certain people at higher risk for anal cancer, including men who have sex with men, may need routine anal Pap tests. Talk with your health care provider about your risk and whether you should get tested.

About HPV

HPV is spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as through genital-to-genital contact, even when no symptoms are present. Most people with HPV infection do not have symptoms, though some may develop genital warts.

There is no cure for HPV, but about nine out of every 10 infections will clear on their own within two years. It is not possible to know which infections will clear and which might lead to further health problems, such as cancer or genital warts.

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