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Editor's note: The following questions and answers about HPV vaccine are prepared by National Immunization Program. The content represents the government's opinion. Foodconsumer.org has nothing to do with NIP and publishing the information does not mean any endorsement. Readers may also read related articles for the issue. HPV vaccine: What you need to know Perry's vaccine order saves lives, but at high price --------------------------- What is the HPV vaccine? The vaccine, Gardasil, is the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions, and genital warts due to HPV. Who should get the HPV vaccine? The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended routine vaccination for girls 11-12 years of age. The ACIP recommendation also allows for vaccination of girls beginning at nine years old as well as vaccination of girls and women 13-26 years old. Recommendations of the ACIP become CDC policy once they are accepted by director of the CDC and the Secretary of HHS and are published in CDC¡¯s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Are there other HPV vaccines in development? Another HPV vaccine (being developed by GlaxoSmithKline) is in the final stages of clinical testing, but it is not yet licensed. This vaccine would protect against the two types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. How and when is the vaccine delivered? The vaccine is given in a series of three injections over a six-month period. The second and third doses should be given at two and six months (respectively) after the first dose. HPV vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines. Is the HPV vaccine effective? This vaccine is highly effective in preventing four types of HPV in young women who have not been previously exposed to HPV. This vaccine targets HPV types that cause up to 70% of all cervical cancers and about 90% of genital warts. The vaccine will not treat existing HPV infections or their complications. Is the HPV vaccine safe? The FDA has licensed the vaccine as safe and effective. This vaccine has been tested in thousands of females (9 to 26 years of age) around the world. These studies have shown no serious side effects. The most common side effect is brief soreness at the injection site. CDC, working with the FDA, will continue to monitor the safety of the vaccine after it is in general use. Does the vaccine contain thimerosal or mercury? No, there is no thimerosal or mercury in the vaccine. How long does vaccine protection last? Will a booster shot be needed? The length of vaccine protection (immunity) is usually not known when a vaccine is first introduced. So far, studies have found that vaccinated persons are protected for five years. More research is being done to find out how long protection will last, and if a booster dose of vaccine will be needed . Will girls/women be protected against HPV and related diseases, even if they don¡¯t get all three doses? It is not yet known how much protection girls/women would get from receiving only one or two doses of the vaccine. For this reason, it is very important that girls/women get all three doses of the vaccine. Does the vaccine protect against cervical cancer? Yes, HPV vaccine is the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer. This new vaccine is highly effective in preventing HPV infection, the major cause of cervical cancer in women. The vaccine protects against four types of HPV, including two that cause about 70% of cervical cancer. How common is cervical cancer? The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006, over 9,710 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 3,700 will die from this disease. |
