How Do I Obtain The Vaccine Do I Need To Pay For The Vaccine
The provision of free medications, vaccines and health services is a decision that is made within each province and territory. Please check with your provincial/territorial public health department. If you or your child is not eligible for HPV vaccination under an immunization program, you can speak with your healthcare provider if you wish to purchase the vaccine.
Recommendations For Young Adults
The CDC also recommends a three-dose series of the HPV vaccine for certain people who have not completed the early two-dose series. These include:
- Females through age 26
- Men who have sex with men through age 26
In addition, the HPV vaccine is recommended for young adults up to age 26 who are immunocompromised, such as those living with HIV.
Although men get HPV-associated diseases less often than women, vaccination is still recommended. This is especially true for MSM, who are up to 38 times more likely to get anal cancer compared to the general population that jumps to 130 times more likely if they have HIV.
What Is Hpv And How Does It Affect The Body
HPV is a very common virus that causes genital, oral, and skin infections. There are many types of HPV. Most of them are harmless and do not cause infections or symptoms. However, some types of HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and throat. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts.
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You Can Still Get Hpv Even If You’ve Had The Vaccine But You Should Get The Shot Anyway
When you go to get vaccinated, odds are you’re enduring the quick sting of the needle in order to protect yourself from something much worse. Once you’re done, that vaccine-preventable disease is just one less thing you have to worry about or at least that’s true in most cases. When it comes to human papillomavirus , it’s a bit more complicated.
There are a few different types of HPV vaccines out there, but the most common one in the US is Gardasil. This vaccine is often given in doses to young adolescents around the age of 11 or 12 , and it’s intended to protect against genital warts and cervical cancer, which can be caused by certain strains of HPV. But while Gardasil is highly effective at protecting against these dangerous strains, there are several others that can cause troubling symptoms, even in those who have been vaccinated. Knowing how to recognize these strains of HPV and protect yourself against them is extremely important for your sexual health. That’s why we spoke to ob-gyns to unpack everything you need to know about the HPV vaccine and what it can do.
How Effective Are Hpv Vaccines
Clinical trials have shown that HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing cervical infection with the types of HPV they target when given before first exposure to the virusthat is, before individuals begin to engage in sexual activity. HPV vaccines have also been found to reduce infections in other tissues that HPV infects, including the anus and oral region .
Because the cell changes and cancers caused by HPV take years to develop, it has only recently been confirmed that the vaccines reduce the risk of these outcomes as well. Trials and real-world data from population-based studies have now demonstrated that the vaccines greatly reduce the risk of precancers and cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in vaccinated women . A clinical trial of Gardasil in men indicated that it can prevent anal cell changes caused by persistent infection . The trials that led to approval of Gardasil 9 found it to be nearly 100% effective in preventing cervical, vulvar, and vaginal infections and precancers caused by all seven cancer-causing HPV types that it targets .
To date, protection against infections with the targeted HPV types has been found to last for at least 10 years with Gardasil , up to 11 years with Cervarix , and at least 6 years with Gardasil 9 . Long-term studies of vaccine efficacy that are still in progress will help scientists better understand how long protection lasts .
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How Is Hpv Treated
There is no treatment for HPV. The body usually gets rid of the virus by itself over time, which can take about a year. You will probably need to be re-tested to see if the virus has gone.
If you develop genital warts, your doctor may ‘freeze’ them off or suggest an ointment or cream. Sometimes genital warts need to be removed in hospital.
Cervical and other cancers need to be treated by specialists. Your doctor will advise you on the treatments you need.
Why Is The Hpv Vaccine Given At Such A Young Age
HPV infections can be spread by any skin-to-skin contact and are usually found on the fingers, hands, mouth and genitals.
This means the virus can be spread during any kind of sexual activity, including touching.
The HPV vaccine works best if girls and boys get it before they come into contact with HPV .
So getting the vaccine when recommended will help protect them during their teenage years and beyond.
Most unvaccinated people will be infected with some type of HPV at some time in their life.
The virus does not usually do any harm because the person’s immune system clears the infection.
But sometimes the infection stays in the body for many years, and then it may start to cause damage.
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Can You Still Get Hpv If You Have The Vaccine
Thereof, can you have a baby if you have HPV?
Youre most likely to get a genital HPV infection from vaginal or anal intercourse. Its possible but uncommon to transmit the virus through genital contact without penetration, through oral sex, or by touching the genitals. And a mother can transmit HPV to her baby during birth, but this is also uncommon.
Can HPV cause a man to be sterile?
The role of human papillomavirus on sperm function. Author information: Because this infection in men is also a problem for partners, and because growing evidence suggests that semen infection may cause infertility and early miscarriage, more attention should be paid to male HPV infection.
Can a woman with HPV have a baby?
Women who have HPV during pregnancy may worry that the HPV virus can harm their unborn child, but in most cases, it wont affect the developing baby. Nor does HPV infection which can manifest itself as genital warts or abnormal Pap smears usually change the way a woman is cared for during pregnancy.
Recommendations For People Over 26
Although the HPV vaccine is approved for people up to 45, the CDC only offers a provisional recommendation for vaccination of women and men over 26.
According to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices , HPV vaccination is less likely to offer benefit at this point in life given that most adults over 26 will already have been infected with HPV.
For this reason, clinicians can administer the vaccine to patients over 26 but should advise them of the limitations of vaccination. People who have had no or very few sexual partners stand the best chance of reaping the benefits of vaccination.
In contrast to the CDC recommendations, the ACS guidelines do not encourage HPV vaccination after 26, as it is unlikely to provide protection from cancer.
In addition, there has been a global shortage of HPV vaccine that is expected to continue for several years. Offering the vaccine to those who are most likely to benefit from it is a strategic way to ensure that enough is available moving forward.
HPV Doctor Discussion Guide
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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Hpv Vaccine: What Age Is Too Late
All males and females ages 926 should get the HPV vaccine. It is mosteffective when given at ages 1112. Unvaccinated men and women ages2745 should talk to their doctor about the benefits of the vaccine.
Its likely youve heard about the HPV vaccine. This vaccine can protect your child against the human papillomavirus . This virus causes several types of cancer, including cervical, anal, vulvar, vaginal, penile and oropharyngeal cancers.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for pre-teens. But why? And does it work for older teens and adults? When it comes to the HPV vaccine, how late is too late?
There are a lot of questions surrounding the HPV vaccine. We spoke with Lois Ramondetta, M.D., professor of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine. Heres what she told us about the age range for the HPV vaccine.
Males and females ages 9 to 45 can get the vaccine
The CDC recommends all boys and girls get the HPV vaccine between the ages of 11 and 12, the age for optimal protection. They should get two shots, six to 12 months apart.
Vaccines given to 14 or 15 year olds are late and less effective, Ramondetta says.
In fact, patients 15 and older should receive three shots over the course of six months to receive the same benefit.
The bottom line: All males and females ages 926 should get the HPV vaccine. It is most effective when given at ages 1112. Unvaccinated men and women ages 2745 should talk to their doctor about the benefits of the vaccine.
Lois Ramondetta, M.D.
The Missing Piece Of Evidence
Large clinical trials of HPV vaccineswhich enrolled thousands of participants and followed them over timeassessed their ability to prevent cervical infections with cancer-causing types of HPV and the development of precancerous lesions in the cervix that can result from those infections.
The clinical trials did not measure whether the vaccine prevents cervical cancer because precancerous lesions in the cervix found during a clinical trial would be treated, preventing their progression to cancer, Dr. Kreimer explained.
The Swedish study, however, looked back in time at a huge population of women. And for their study, the Swedish researchers had two factors in their favor: the individual-level data in the countrys nationwide public health registry and the fact that, beginning in 2007, the country has conducted a series of nationwide HPV vaccination programs.
The Swedish study isnt the first large population-based study of HPV vaccines. In Australia, for example, researchers have shown that the countrys universal HPV vaccination program, launched in 2007, led to massive declines in infections with the HPV types covered by the vaccine, while also protecting against HPV infections in unvaccinated people, a phenomenon known as herd immunity.
Nevertheless, no studies had gone on long enough to deliver that logic to its anticipated result.
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How Safe Is The Vaccine
The vaccine is very safe and no different from other common vaccines. The most common side effect is soreness at the injection site. Millions of doses have now been given all over the world. As for all medicines and vaccines, ongoing surveillance continues to monitor safety.
The Medsafe website has further information about Gardasil 9.
Who Should Get The Vaccine And When Should They Get It
All kids who are 11 or 12 years old should get the HPV vaccine, though it may be given as young as 9 years. The vaccine is more effective and the immune system responds more strongly when given at this age.
Catch-up vaccination is recommended for females up to age 26 for all males up to age 21 and for males age 22-26 who meet certain health conditions or who request it. Talk to your healthcare provider about what doses you may need.
Women and girls who are breastfeeding may get the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women or girls.
Two doses of the vaccine are needed for those who start the series between ages 9 and 14 and have a healthy immune system. Those who start at age 15 through 26 need three doses. Anyone with a compromised immune system should get three doses, even if they are 9 through 14.
HPV vaccine is not required to attend school in Washington, but you can ask for it at the same time as the required school vaccines are being given.
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Hpv Tests Check For High
These tests are usually used to identify women who are at high-risk of having precancerous changes and developing cervical cancer. Research shows that HPV testing is more accurate than the Pap test in finding precancerous changes in the cervix. Researchers are still trying to find the best way to use the HPV test as a part of cervical cancer screening. are an effective way to find cervical cancer.
HPV tests are available in some areas of Canada. In provinces that use HPV tests as part of their cervical cancer screening programs, they are generally used as a follow-up to abnormal Pap tests results.
Hpv Vaccination In Boys
Historically, HPV vaccination efforts have been focused on young women and girls since their risk for developing HPV-related cancers is 10 times higher than males. Men relied on herd immunity from women being vaccinated against HPV as their primary method of prevention. Those efforts have shifted as HPV vaccines among both men and women continue to provide long-lasting protection in both sexes. As of 2011, the CDC recommends administration of the HPV vaccine to young men and boys according to a similar schedule as that for women.
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Why Is Hpv Vaccination Only Recommended For Women Through Age 26
HPV vaccination is not currently recommended for women over age 26 years. Clinical trials showed that, overall, HPV vaccination offered women limited or no protection against HPV-related diseases. For women over age 26 years, the best way to prevent cervical cancer is to get routine cervical cancer screening, as recommended.
Which Girls/women Should Receive Hpv Vaccination
HPV vaccination is recommended for 11 and 12 year-old girls. It is also recommended for girls and women age 13 through 26 years of age who have not yet been vaccinated or completed the vaccine series HPV vaccine can also be given to girls beginning at age 9 years. CDC recommends 11 to 12 year olds get two doses of HPV vaccine to protect against cancers caused by HPV. For more information on the recommendations, please see:
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What Can I Do To Protect Myself Against Hpv
While the possibility of becoming infected is scary, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce your chances of getting HPV. Though it can’t prevent all HPV infections, the vaccine is an important first step. Gardasil will ultimately protect you from many of the most aggressive and harmful strains of HPV but in order to get the best protection possible, you should get all three doses of the vaccine. “Even if get one vaccine and don’t get the other two, they still have some protection, but you get better protection if you complete the full vaccine series,” Dr. Askew said.
Beyond getting vaccinated, it’s important to practice safe sex , and keep an open line of communication with your partner about any exposure they’ve had. Make sure you’re getting tested for sexually transmitted infections, too.
How Can I Get The Vaccine
Kids under age 19 can get HPV vaccine for free in Washington State. Some health care providers’ offices charge an administration fee or an office visit fee. You can ask to waive the administration fee if you can’t pay.
For people age 19 and older, the vaccine is available from many clinics and pharmacies. Most health insurance plans cover the vaccine for people recommended to get it. Call your health plan to check your coverage. For adults without health insurance, the companies that make these vaccines have programs to help pay for them. Find out if your health care provider participates in these programs.
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What Does The Hpv Vaccine Do
The HPV vaccine protects against six strains of the HPV virus that have been shown to cause cervical cancer as well as vagina, vulvar, anus, penile and throat cancers. Each year, there are about 35,000 cases of HPV-related cancer diagnosed. The most common among women is cervical cancer. The most common among men is throat cancer.
How Is Hpv Diagnosed
Diagnosis of HPV is usually made by checking symptoms, examination and, for women, doing a Cervical Screening Test. This test, which replaced the Pap smear, can detect high-risk HPV. There is no blood test to detect HPV.
Anyone participating in Cervical Screening also has the option to self-collect their own sample. If you would like to collect your own sample, speak to your healthcare provider. More information on self-collection for the Cervical Screening Test is available from the Department of Health and Aged Care.
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Hpv Is Incurable And Can Cause Cancer
Most HPV infections clear up on their own within two years, with no long-term consequences.
But other times, the infection does not clear up. And since there is no cure for HPV, the virus puts people at risk for potentially serious problems such as cancer and genital warts down the road.
Of the more than 40 strains of HPV, there are nine specific strains 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 that the vaccine prevents. These strains cause genital warts and cancer.
Every year, more than 27,000 women and men are affected by the following cancers linked to HPV:
- Anal cancer
- Oropharyngeal cancer, which includes oral cancer and throat cancer
- Penile cancer
- Vulvar cancer
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, and 72 percent of oral cancers are caused by HPV. According to the CDC, most of these HPV-related cancers could be prevented by vaccinating children before they become sexually active adults.