Human Papilloma Virus and Cervical Cancer:
A New Vaccine to Protect Your Daughter
What is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)?
- It is the most commonly sexually transmitted disease in the U.S.
- It is the cause of genital warts, pre-cancerous lesions, or cervical cancer (depending on which subtype of HPV you get)
- Genital warts are fleshy, skin colored growths that appear on the inside or outside of the genital area; they can be painful, itching, bleeding, irritation, uncomfortable
- Cervical cancer is a change in the cells that line the cervix (caused by HPV) that causes them to become precancerous and then if left untreated cancerous
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC reports that 20 million people in the U.S. are infected w/HPV with 6.2 million new cases each year.
- It is estimated that 50% of the country's sexually active men and women will acquire an HPV infection - some show no signs and continue passing it on to their partners unknowingly
- By age 50, 80% of women have been infected
- More than 3,700 women die each year from Cervical cancer
Why is this new vaccine for HPV special?
- This vaccine is unique because it will be one of the first widespread vaccines to prevent not only a sexually transmitted disease but also to prevent CANCER.
- It protects against the most common types of cancer causing HPV
- The cancer causing strains are HPV 16 and 18 (these cause 70% of cancers)
- One of the vaccines also includes protection against HPV 6 and 11 strains (these cause 90% of genital warts)
Who should get this vaccine?
- The vaccine is going to be recommended first for girls 11-12 at their yearly check up (official recommendations are still pending)
- This age group of girls was chosen in order to give them protection prior to them becoming sexually active
- The vaccine has also been tested and FDA approved for girls 9-26 years
- Research concerning males using the vaccine is still being undertaken
How many injections will my child need and how much does it cost?
- Consists of 3 intramuscular injections (given at 0, 2 and 6 months)
- Cost of the vaccine is $120 per dose ($360 for all 3 doses)
How long will my child have protection from HPV?
- With the research we have so far we know that immunity does not appear to decrease even 5 years after the series has been given
If a young woman has received this vaccine, does she still need yearly well woman exams and pap smears?
- Women who receive this vaccine should still get their cervical cancer screening as before
Why the need for continued exams and screenings?
- Not everyone who receives the vaccine may have protection
- There are many types of HPV that are not included in the vaccine (there are over 100 types)
- The vaccine will not protect people against other STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)
- If you have already been exposed to a particular type of HPV prior to getting the vaccine, the vaccine cannot treat that infection you already have
- The vaccine needs to be given BEFORE you are infected
- People should still protect themselves in other ways as well
- e.g., abstinence, monogamy, limiting the number of sex partners, and/or using condoms
Is there any mercury in this vaccine?
- There is NO mercury in this vaccine
Can this vaccine give your child the disease?
- No. This vaccine is not a live virus and cannot give your child the disease
What are the most common side effects of this HPV vaccine?
- Not everyone who receive may have protection
- Pain, swelling, itching, redness at the injection site
- Fever
Who should not receive vaccination?
- Anyone who is allergic to any component of the vaccine or has a reaction after taking it
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following prior to getting the vaccine:
- If you have a bleeding disorder that does not allow you to take the injection
- Have a weakened immune system - HIV or genetic problem
- Pregnant or planning on getting pregnant
- Illness with fever more than 100.7 degrees
- Taking any medications
Talk to your health care professional to see if this vaccine is right for you or your child once it becomes available
For more information, you can browse the following Websites:
http://www.chop.edu/consumer/jsp/division/generic.jsp?id=78817
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vaccine/hpv/default.htm