HPV vaccines: safe, effective and potentially life-saving

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is extremely common and can be transmitted through vaginal, anal and oral contact. According to the , 80 million Americans are currently infected and 14 million more are infected each year, many of them teens. In addition to causing genital warts, HPV is responsible for over 33,000 cases of cancer each year.

Used properly, condoms reduce the risk of transmission, but they don’t eliminate it. Vaccination is the most reliable method of prevention.

What vaccines are available?
The most common vaccines available are:

• Cervarix, which protects against two types of HPV that cause 70 percent of anogenital cancers and is approved for women aged nine to 45.
• Gardasil, which protects against four types of HPV, two that cause 70 percent of anogenital cancers and two that cause 90 percent of anogenital warts. It’s approved for women aged nine to 45 and men aged nine to 26
• Gardasil 9, which protects against an additional five types of HPV that cause 14 percent of anogenital cancers and is approved for women aged nine to 45 and men aged nine to 26.

Recommended immunization
Getting vaccinated twice before turning 18 will create the antibodies necessary to prevent infection. Vaccines are also more effective if received before becoming sexually active. However, they’ll still reduce cancer risk in someone who’s already been infected.

Parents should talk to their children’s healthcare provider to get more information, as should adult women who haven’t been vaccinated.

HPV vaccines are safe and the best way to prevent the virus itself and any complications resulting from it. Some states may offer free vaccination programs for children and at-risk adults. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.