How to Get the HPV Vaccine

The human papillomavirus, abbreviated as HPV, can cause many serious health problems such as cervical cancer and genital warts. In 2006 the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and Food and Drug Administration recommended that young women get the HPV vaccine.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine. Inquire about the vaccine's benefits, limitations and how the doses are administered. The HPV vaccine, named Gardasil®, protects its recipients against the four strains of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancers and genital warts. Over a six month time period, the Gardasil® vaccine is given in three injections. There are no known serious side effects, although pain, itching, swelling and redness have been reported, as well as dizziness, fever and nausea.

2. Decide when you should be vaccinated or have your daughter vaccinated. Adult women aged 18 to 26 can elect to get the HPV vaccine. Parents and guardians of girls aged 9 to 17 can decide whether and when to get the vaccine. Studies show that the HPV vaccine is most effective in girls and women who are vaccinated before becoming sexually active. Likewise, girls and women who get the HPV vaccine before being infected by any of the four types of HPV in the vaccine are the most effectively protected.

3. Schedule the first vaccination.

4. Have the first dose of the vaccine.

5. Return to your doctor for the second vaccination two months after you get the first vaccination.

6. Get the third and final vaccination six months after receiving the first vaccination.

Tips & Warnings

• The vaccine is made of proteins harvested from the external coat of the HPV virus. There is no way to be infected with HPV by the vaccine.
• There is no state or federal requirement to be vaccinated.
• There is no need to be screened before receiving the vaccine.
• Whether the cost of the vaccine is covered by insurance depends on the insurance carrier and plan. Some federal and state health programs cover all or part of the cost the vaccine for minors whose families can't afford the vaccine or whose insurance plans do not cover the vaccine.
• Anyone who is pregnant should not get the HPV vaccine.
• Women with allergies to the HPV vaccine ingredients should not receive the vaccine.
• Because some cervical cancers and genital warts are caused by strains of HPV other than the four against which the vaccine protects, it is very important to have regular pap smears and screenings for cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases.
• The HPV vaccine does not cure genital warts or cervical cancer.

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