continued:

Cervical cancer vaccine: Who needs it, how it works

Does the cervical cancer vaccine carry any health risks or side effects?

Overall, the effects are usually mild. The most common side effects of both HPV vaccines include soreness at the injection site (the upper arm), headaches, low-grade fever or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, especially in adolescents. Remaining seated for 15 minutes after the injection can reduce the risk of fainting. In addition, Cervarix may also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain.

Serious side effects — including a severe allergic response (anaphylaxis), and neurological conditions, such as paralysis, weakness and brain swelling — have been reported in a small number of women. The FDA continues to monitor all such reports. To date, however, almost all reports of such adverse side effects appear to have occurred by chance around the time of immunization. They don't appear to have been caused by the vaccine itself.

Is the cervical cancer vaccine required for school enrollment?

The cervical cancer vaccine — either Gardasil or Cervarix — is part of the routine childhood vaccines schedule. Whether or not a vaccine becomes a school enrollment requirement is decided on a state-by-state basis.

Do women who've received the cervical cancer vaccine still need to have Pap tests?

Yes. The cervical cancer vaccine isn't intended to replace Pap tests. Routine screening for cervical cancer through regular pelvic exams and Pap tests remains an essential part of a woman's preventive health care.

What can you do to protect yourself from cervical cancer if you're not in the recommended vaccine age group?

HPV spreads through sexual contact. To protect yourself from HPV, use a condom every time you have sex and limit your number of sexual partners. In addition, don't smoke. Smoking doubles the risk of cervical cancer.

To detect cervical cancer in the earliest stages, see your health care provider for regular pelvic exams and Pap tests. Seek prompt medical attention if you notice any signs or symptoms of cervical cancer — vaginal bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause, pelvic pain, or pain during sex.

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References
  1. Recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 7-18 years — United States, 2010. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/2010/10_7-18yrs-schedule-pr.pdf. Accessed Oct. 8, 2010.
  2. Garland SM, et al. Quadrivalent vaccine against human papillomavirus to prevent anogenital diseases. New England Journal of Medicine. 2007;356:1928.
  3. Reports of health concerns following HPV vaccination. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Vaccines/HPV/gardasil.html. Accessed Oct. 8, 2010.
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  5. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Prevention/HPV-vaccine. Accessed Oct. 7, 2010.
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  7. HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine: Gardasil. What you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-hpv-gardasil.pdf. Accessed Oct. 8, 2010.
  8. HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine: Cervarix. What you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-hpv-cervarix.pdf. Accessed Oct. 8, 2010.
  9. Gardasil vaccine safety: Information from FDA and CDC on the safety of Gardasil vaccine. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/VaccineSafety/ucm179549.htm. Accessed Oct. 8, 2010.
  10. Recommended adult immunization schedule: United States, 2010. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/adult/2010/adult-schedule.pdf. Accessed Oct. 7, 2010.
  11. Castle P, et al. Recommendations for the use of human papillomavirus vaccines. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 12, 2010.
  12. Castle P, et al. Clinical trials of human papillomavirus vaccines. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 12, 2010.
  13. What you need to know about cervical cancer: Symptoms. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/cervix/page5. Accessed Oct. 12, 2010.
  14. Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 13, 2010.
  15. Gostout BS (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 29, 2010.
  16. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, et al. Recommendations on the use of quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine in males — Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recommendations and Reports. 2011:60;1705.
WO00120 Jan. 20, 2012

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