Ask the Pediatrician: HPV Vaccine

Q: One of the newer vaccines available to children is the HPV vaccine. What is this vaccine designed to do?

A: It is designed to protect young women and men from 4 of the strongest types of the the human papilloma virus, which causes warts in many different parts of the body, including the mouth and larynx, and cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths among women around the world. In the U.S., 12,000 women get cervical cancer every year and about 4,000 are expected to die from it. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease, which affects both men and women despite it being without any symptoms for many years. It can also be spread in other ways, including during childbirth. Cervical cancer is caused by HPV in 99% of cases, about ¾ from the 4 types that are included in the vaccine.

Q: When should the vaccine be given?

A: For maximum efficacy, the vaccine should be given prior to age 15, when the body’s immune reaction is strongest. It can be given at the same time as any other vaccine. It is also recommended to be given before a young person becomes sexually active, but can be given to sexually active young people as well. Several studies have shown that giving the shots do not increase the likelihood that young men and women will become sexually active. It is a series of 3 shots, spread over 6 months.

Q: Is the vaccine safe?

A: Yes. The first HPV vaccine was approved by the FDA in June, 2006. Since then, millions of vaccines have been given worldwide, and is considered very safe. Side effects can include fainting within 15 minutes of receiving the shot or mild headache, or some discomfort, redness or swelling around the injection site. An allergic reaction is extremely rare, and happens within a few hours of receiving the shot. About 1 person in 10 will have a mild brief fever. The original recommendation was for young women ages 11 through 26, and then in October 2011 the CDC recommended young men of the same ages receive the shot. Young men are protected from larynx and oral warts, as well are less likely to pass the virus onto their future wives and partners.