Introduction: The
HPV vaccine helps protect you against certain types of
HPV that can lead to cancer or genital warts. Most cervical cancers are related to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection. Widespread immunization with
HPV vaccine can reduce cervical cancer worldwide. Different types of
HPV are transmitted through sexual contact and are associated with most cases of cervical cancer. Gardasil ۹ is an
HPV vaccine that is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and can be used for both boys and girls. This vaccine can prevent cervical cancer before a girl or woman is exposed to the virus. In addition, the vaccine can prevent vaginal and vaginal cancer in women and also prevent genital warts and anal cancer in women and men. In theory, vaccinating boys against
HPV types associated with cervical cancer may also protect girls from the virus by reducing the chance of passing the virus to girls. Also, certain types of
HPV are linked to oral and throat cancers, so the
HPV vaccine is likely to protect against these cancers. The
HPV vaccine is typically recommended for boys and girls aged ۱۱ or ۱۲, although it may also be given as early as age ۹. It is ideal that girls and boys receive the vaccine before they have sexual contact and before they are exposed to HPV. do Once someone is infected with HPV, the vaccine may not be as effective or may not work. Also, the response to the vaccine is better at a young age than at an older age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that all ۱۱- and ۱۲-year-olds receive two doses of the
HPV vaccine at least six months apart. Adolescents and young adults who start receiving vaccines between the ages of ۱۵ and ۲۶ should receive three doses of the vaccine. The FDA recently approved the use of Gardasil ۹ for men and women ages ۹ to ۴۵. The
HPV vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women or people who are moderately or severely ill. If a person has already had one type of
HPV infection, they can still benefit from the vaccine because it can protect them from other types of
HPV that they have not yet had. However, none of the vaccines can cure an existing
HPV infection. Vaccines can only protect against certain strains of
HPV that a person has not been exposed to before. The effects of the vaccine are usually mild. The most common side effects of
HPV vaccines include pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection. Sitting for ۱۵ minutes after the injection can reduce the risk of fainting. In addition, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue or weakness may also occur. The
HPV vaccine does not replace Pap tests. Routine screening for cervical cancer through regular Pap tests starting at age ۲۱ is an essential part of a woman's preventive health care.