HPV VACCINE - HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINATION - VACCINE FOR HPV - HPV VACCINES - ADULT IMMUNIZATION

What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 100 viruses that are usually spread through sexual contact. There are more than six million new infections in the U.S. each year, with almost three out of four infections occurring in females younger than 24 years of age. The most serious long-term complication of HPV infection is cervical cancer.

What are the symptoms of HPV?
Although most infections are cleared by the body without causing any symptoms, HPV can cause genital warts and lead to cervical cancer. HPV can spread even when symptoms (e.g., genital warts) are not evident.

Most people infected with HPV have no symptoms and don’t realize they are infected. However, some people will get visible genital warts that are usually soft, moist, pink or flesh-colored swellings. The warts can be removed by medications or other treatments. They may also resolve without treatment. In either case, disappearance of the warts does not mean the virus has left the body.

Which adults should get vaccinated?

• Women up to 26 years of age who have not previously been vaccinated or who have not completed the full three-dose series

The HPV 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 percent of all cervical cancers and about 90 percent of genital warts. The vaccine will not treat existing HPV infections or their complications.

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HPV (human papillomavirus) Information