Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination

· HPV is a virus that is spread through sexual contact. There is no symptoms so people do not know they have it.

· There are approximately 40 types of genital HPV. Somes types can cause cervical cancer in women and can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women. Other types can cause genital warts in both males and females.

· The HPV vaccine works by preventing the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts.

· It is given as a 3-dose vaccine. The second and third doses should be given two and six months (respectively) after the first dose.

· The vaccine is recommended for girls and women 13 through 26 years of age.

· Like other vaccine, there can be minor reactions, including pain and redness at the injection site, headache, fever, fatigue or a vague feeling of discomfort. These symptoms do not last long and go away on their own.

· The vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women, but it is safe for breast feeding woman.

· Anyone who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to yeast, to any other component of HPV vaccine, or to a previous dose of HPV. vaccine should not get the vaccine.

· The retail price of the vaccine is about $120 per dose ($360 for full series)