This August we are highlighting the HPV vaccine in celebration of National Immunization Month. HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. HPV can cause health problems like genital warts and cancer. Luckily, the HPV vaccine can help prevent most of these cancers.
Understanding HPV and the HPV vaccine
HPV infections are very common. There are many types of HPV, and almost everyone will get at least one type in their life. Most HPV infections go away on their own within 1-2 years. However, some HPV infections don't go away and can lead to cancer later in life.
The HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, protects against 9 types of HPV. Gardasil 9 targets:
HPV types that cause 80% of cervical cancer cases.
HPV types that cause 90% of genital warts cases.
Other types of HPV that are linked to different cancers.
The HPV vaccine is very effective. The vaccine reduces the risk of HPV infection and related cancers. Studies have shown that the vaccine can prevent up to 90% of HPV-related cancers. Early reports have found that vaccinated men were 56% less likely to get throat cancers caused by HPV. However, HPV vaccination rates are still low in the United States compared with other countries like the United Kingdom, where cervical cancer has nearly been eliminated in young women.
The vaccine consists of a series of shots:
For ages 15 & over, it is three shots over six months.
For ages 9-14, it is only two shots over six months.
The most common side effects of the HPV vaccine are headache, drowsiness, nausea, joint pain, and pain and swelling in the arm at the injection site. However, it’s important to remember that all medications have the potential to cause side effects.
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for everyone between the ages of 9 and 26. The vaccine helps protect against HPV-related health problems, including cancer. It is best to get vaccinated before age 13, or before becoming sexually active.
The HPV vaccine is now available for people ages 27 to 45. It may be less helpful because many people in this age group have been exposed to HPV. However, while the vaccine can't clear current infections, it can still protect against future infections from other types of HPV. Speak with a doctor to see if this vaccine is right for you.
Tip:Â Write down any questions you have about HPV and the vaccine before your doctor's visit. Bring these questions with you to your visit.
HPV and African-Americans
African-Americans have higher rates of HPV infection and related health problems than whites. Studies show that just 64% of Black people know that HPV can cause cancer, compared to 81% of whites. Only 25% of Black women said their doctor recommended the HPV vaccine to them. This means that many doctors are not talking about or recommending the vaccine to their Black patients. This is concerning because Black women are at higher risk for cancers, like cervical cancer, that the HPV vaccine can prevent.
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Raising awareness and promoting vaccination can help reduce these differences and improve health in African-American communities.
Resources
Most insurances cover the HPV vaccine for eligible individuals. If you are over 19, you may be eligible for programs like the Merck Patient Assistance Program. This program provides vaccines at no cost. You may also reach out to your local Planned Parenthood to see if they offer low-cost options for the HPV vaccine.
The HPV vaccine is a key tool in preventing HPV-related cancers. By increasing awareness and promoting vaccine uptake among children, teens, and adults, we can reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases.
For more information about the HPV vaccine, visit trusted websites like the CDC.
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Sources
1.     CDC. (2021, March 19). What Everyone Should Know | Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination | Vaccination and Immunization | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/public/index.html
2.     Hung, M., Su, S., Hon, E. S., et al. (2021, July 15). Health disparities associated with females reporting human papillomavirus infection in the United States. Women’s Health Reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8310743/
3.     Merck Helps. (n.d.). GARDASIL 9. https://www.merckhelps.com/GARDASIL%209
4.     Ojeaga, A., Alema-Mensah, E., Rivers, D., Azonobi, I., & Rivers, B. (2019). Racial disparities in HPV-related knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among African American and white women in the USA. Journal of Cancer Education, 34(1), 66-72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-017-1268-6
5.     Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). Should I get the HPV Vaccine?. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hpv/should-i-get-hpv-vaccineÂ
6.     Rahman, A. (2024, May 29). HPV vaccine can reduce risk of multiple cancers in men, new study suggests. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/20-years-after-hpv-vaccine-approved-mounting-evidence/story?id=110655467Â
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