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Cervical cancer vaccine: Who needs it, how it works
Does the vaccine offer benefits if you're already sexually active?
Yes. In clinical trials, the vaccine was effective in a group of sexually active women age 26 or younger, some of whom had already been infected with one or more types of HPV. There's a caveat, however. The cervical cancer vaccine blocks HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18, but only if you haven't been exposed to those particular types of HPV. The more sexual partners you've had, the greater your chance of having been exposed to multiple types of HPV — including HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18.
Some experts encourage women ages 18 to 26 to review their sexual history with their doctors to determine if there's a reasonable chance of benefiting from the vaccine. Others support the CDC's recommendation of universal vaccination for women ages 18 to 26.
Does the vaccine carry any health risks or side effects?
The cervical cancer vaccine has proved to be remarkably safe. Over 16 million doses have been distributed in the U.S. The most common complaint is soreness at the injection site, the upper arm. Low-grade fever or flu-like symptoms also are common. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, especially in adolescents. Overall, the effects are usually mild.
However, some serious side effects have been reported, including a severe allergic response (anaphylaxis); neurological conditions, such as paralysis, weakness and brain swelling; and death. The FDA continues to monitor all such reports. To date, almost all reports of such adverse side effects appear to have occurred around the time of vaccination by chance. They don't appear to be caused by the vaccination itself.
Monitoring is ongoing with this vaccine, as with all newer vaccines. Women and girls should remain seated in the clinic where they receive the vaccine for 15 minutes after the injection to reduce the risks of fainting or of an allergic reaction.
Is the cervical cancer vaccine required for school enrollment?
The cervical cancer vaccine is part of the routine childhood vaccines schedule. Whether or not a vaccine becomes a requirement for school is decided on a state-by-state basis. Remember, the greater the number of girls and women vaccinated, the greater the benefit we'll see from the cervical cancer vaccine.
Will women still need to have Pap tests?
Absolutely. And this is a really important point. 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. It's also important to limit your number of sexual partners. Not smoking helps, too. Smoking doubles the risk of cervical cancer.
To detect cervical cancer in the earliest stages, see your doctor 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; foul-smelling watery or bloody vaginal discharge; pelvic pain; or pain during sex.
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- Recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 7-18 years - United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/2008/08_0-6yrs_schedule_bw_pss.pdf. Accessed Dec. 16, 2008.
- Detailed guide: Cervical cancer: What are the key statistics about cervical cancer? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_are_the_key_statistics_for_cervical_cancer_8.asp. Accessed Dec. 16, 2008.
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- Questions and answers about HPV vaccine safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/hpv_faqs.htm. Accessed Dec 15, 2008.
- Detailed guide: Cervical cancer: What are the risk factors for cervical cancer? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_What_are_the_risk_factors_for_cervical_cancer_8.asp?rnav=cri. Accessed Dec. 16, 2008.
- Information from CDC and FDA on the safety of Gardasil vaccine. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/CbER/safety/gardasil071408.htm. Accessed Jan. 12, 2009.
