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    Lois McGuire, R.N., M.S.N., W.H.N.P.

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  • Oct. 7, 2008

    HPV vaccine protects against cancer

    By Lois McGuire, R.N., M.S.N., W.H.N.P.

19 comments posted

A vaccine to protect against cervical cancer and genital warts became available in 2006. The vaccine protects against 4 of the approximately 40 strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV) that affect the genital tract of both men and women.

That doesn't sound like much protection until you understand that the two strains in the vaccine which protect against genital warts are 90 percent of the genital warts we diagnose and the two strains that protect against cervical cancer are 70 percent of diagnosed cervical cancers.

There seems to be a great deal of controversy regarding the HPV vaccine. Let's talk about the facts so you can understand why this is an important vaccine.

  • 11,000 cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2007.
  • Ten women die every day in the United States from cervical cancer.
  • Worldwide, 500,000 cases are diagnosed annually.
  • 280,000 women die annually worldwide.
  • The vaccine protects against the two HPV viruses that cause 70 percent of the deaths from cervical cancer.

We have less cervical cancer in the United States than other countries because most women have access to cervical cancer screening tests or the Pap smear. In other countries, access to screening is limited if it exists at all. The promise of a prophylactic vaccine can only be realized if the vaccine is provided to all women world wide.

How long does the vaccine protection last? This is one of the controversies being discussed. We don't know. The HPV vaccine has not been around long enough for us to study the end outcome. So far, we know that it is effective for 8 years. We also know that 74 percent of HPV occurs between the ages of 15 and 24. That means if a young woman were immunized before she became sexually active, the vaccine would cover her through most, if not all, of her more vulnerable years. It is possible that a booster may be needed.

What are the potential side effects of the HPV vaccine? This is also a concern for patients. Pain at the injection site is the most common side effect. Eighty percent of patients complain of pain. Some experience local swelling, redness, itching or a fever. Other reported side effects have not been proven to be caused by the shot.

I am often asked if the vaccine contains live virus. No, it does not. It is a viral-like particle. You cannot get HPV from the immunization.

Should the HPV vaccine be given to a patient who has already had an abnormal Pap smear? Yes, because it is unlikely that she was exposed to all 4 virus types that the vaccine protects against. She may still gain some protection from future exposures to the virus.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that the HPV vaccine be routinely administered to girls between ages of 11 and 12, but could start as soon as age 9.

For best effectiveness, it is important to immunize before becoming sexually active. The CDC also advises vaccinating all females between the ages of 13 and 26 whether or not they have been sexually active. The vaccination series consists of 3 injections over 6 months. The second and third doses should be given at two and six months (respectively) after the first dose.

Here are key principles to remember:

  • The vaccination will not cause HPV.
  • HPV vaccinations are effective in preventing 70 percent of cervical cancers and 90 percent of genital warts.
  • Most side effects are minor.
  • Continued screening with Pap tests is important.
  • Immunization during pregnancy is not recommended.

HPV is very prevalent in our world. By age 50, 80 percent of women have been exposed to HPV. We now have the first vaccine to protect against cancer. I challenge you to consider this immunization for yourself or for those you love.

19 comments posted

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  • October 16, 2009 9:40 p.m.

    I have had a inverted pampilloma cyst removed from sinus and would like to know if the hpv shot would protect against this recurring. If anyone has inform about this please make a comment

    - irene

  • May 13, 2009 8:34 p.m.

    I think before you consider this immunization, you better do your research, they say it protects you from 4 strands, no one knows for sure if it does or for how long. But I can tell you the side effects are real, my niece has 8 out of the 10 and has not been able to go to school or enjoy just being a teen ager, not to mention, the trips to the ER, Doctor visits, hospital stays and the medication. She has been through every test imagined and all came back normal! She was a very healthy and active teen ager before the shots. My heart breaks for her, my sister, and brother-in-law. So, to all the parents and young women PLEASE do your research and don't get caught up in the scare tactics, be one less to be put through the nightmare of the real side effects.

    - Kathy Huffman

  • May 12, 2009 9:18 a.m.

    I took my 17 y/o daughter for her Gardasil shots all 3. The only side effects they handed us was soreness at the site and dizziness.My daughter has been to the ER 3 times, hospitalized 4 times and has every test ran on her ALL NORMAL.I later read online that soreness/stiffness in the joints and muscles are a side effect of the vaccine and should be seen by your doctor. My daughter complained of severe joint and muscle pain every single day ~ I did not know it was a side effect.I certainly would NOT have taken her back for shots 2 & 3! After all 3,She ended up having violent nonepileptic seizures, severe low back pain, pain in all her joints/muscles involuntary muscle twitching and jerking, jerking and twisting of her legs and arms, nauseated most of the time,tired ALL the time, energy level very low, I could go on. UNTIL I read the side effects listed on the Mayo Web site, I was convinced by DRs that it could NOT be the Gardasil shots that did this to her. On that list she had 8 out of 10 side effects. Please be informed completely before making the decision to take this chance with YOUR daughter. Mine was very active,cheerleader,NHS,STUCO,and now cannot attend school. Cannot sit and energy level is low.SOMEONE NEEDS TO READ THE VAERS & NVIC reports.REAL results with REAL girls.It would have been much easier to NOT get the shot instead of fighting with the DRS & Merck people over this. MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION WITH THE FACTS!Research the real stories onlinefrom

    - Robin, A very concerned MOM with a sick girl

  • April 27, 2009 10:48 a.m.

    Dear Concerned, Yes there are sores that can occur around the labia of a woman which look like pimples. They are called inclusion cysts or sebaceous cysts. The tissue around the labia has many glands. These are simply glands that get plugged. They are not scarry or sexually transmitted. They are just annoying and sometimes quite uncomfortable. If they are painful or reddened, place a hot wash cloth on them a 3 times a day. This will open the gland and allow it to drain, reducing the pressure. If it is very painful and swollen, you may need your provider to give antibiotics or drain the gland. Shaving the pubic hair greatly increases your risk of developing these inclusion cysts. When you shave, you may nick the skin, allowing for bacteria to enter and develop an infection.

    - Lois McGuire

  • April 20, 2009 9:37 p.m.

    Are there such a thing as vaginal zits?

    - concerned

  • March 17, 2009 10:05 p.m.

    If ive already had a outbreak of genital warts.. would the vaccine help to reduce it from happening again? Like not get rid of it but help for fewer outbreaks.. I have it at the pharmacy but is it to late?

    - Just a girl

  • February 4, 2009 12:23 a.m.

    Why is there no information on anal cancer on this site? I had never heard of HPV, the vaccine, etc, until I was diagnosed with anal cancer last year. As I had a hysterectomy when I was thirty...don't have PAP smears. A colonoscopy didn't uncover the cancer, so by the time I was diagnosed I was a stage 3..... My oncologists say that my cancer is on the increase...and HPV is epidemic.... The treatment may have saved my life...but the side effects are horrendous...especially for me ...radiation virtually destroyed my spincter muscle...and scar tissue @ side of vagina and across vulva...make sex impossible, and incontinence an everyday occurance. More on this type of cancer please! Ann

    - Ann Peeples

  • January 7, 2009 1:27 a.m.

    My mom is having cervical cancer, she is under treatment for the past 6 years , she is of 48 . what if she can be vaccined by HPV. Will it be effective!

    - santhosh

  • December 11, 2008 10:10 a.m.

    This vaccine has not been proved to prevent any cancer and depending on who does the studies some say we have less cancer now and many say we have more. There have been side effects noted when the vaccine has been given and the drug company says it has not been proved. We may know something soon because the majority of girls in corrections are getting the vaccines. Sounds like a study to me.

    - cindy

  • October 29, 2008 12:11 p.m.

    I have yet to see any proof that this will actually prevent cancer -- All I've seen is a lot of speculation and marketing copy. How can people say this vaccine has been proven to prevent cancer when the girls who have been given it won't reach the risk age for another couple of decades? Yes, the vaccine protects against some types of HPV -- which is ONE of the causes of cervical cancer, but to say it's going to prevent it is a bit of a stretch.

    - beth

  • October 28, 2008 7:03 p.m.

    Is screening being done to see if there is a history of blood clots in the family history before giving the vaccine? I'm hearing that there has been a problem with blood clots in some young girls after receiving the vaccine.

    - Joan

  • October 22, 2008 1:53 a.m.

    As of July 1, 2008, this immunization has become mandatory for females 11 to 26 in order for refugee immigrants to get a green card (permanent residency). This immunization is very expensive and is not a requirement for the general population. I cannot understand how this can be mandatory for one group and not others. It is cost prohibitive to these people with low income jobs.

    - Jo Buth

  • October 17, 2008 10:26 a.m.

    My husband of 20 years has warts and I have had normal paps. I have not discussed my husbands issue with my GYN. Should I ask about the vaccine or is it too late?

    - sr

  • October 13, 2008 3:57 p.m.

    Some GOOD questions, where are the answers?

    - Diane

  • October 9, 2008 9:59 p.m.

    Thank you for the excellent comments on this topic. Let me address a couple of them. First of all, the immunization is not being recommended for males at this time. The studies have been primarily done on females and the data can't be transferred to males. Male immunization is being studied. If there is a new recommendation, I will be sure to announce it on the blog. Secondly, the immunization can be safely given to women over 26 years of age. It has only been thoroughly tested up to age 26. Newer data shows good protection up to age 45. This information will need to be studied more thoroughly before the recommendation is changed. It is important to ask your insurance company if they cover the HPV vaccine for you. The vaccine is very expensive. I want to remind you that I will not be answering everyone's comments. My hope is that many will be responding to the comments creating a sense of support and good information from many sources.

    - Lois McGuire

  • October 8, 2008 11:53 a.m.

    No one in the mainstream is being told about the very seriouseffects thahave been happening to young girls who have been given these shots But Concerned Women Of America has come forth,with numerous serious bad outcomes of young girls . The fact that some states are making it mandatory,is money for the drug company,but unwise to many of us!!

    - violet osmun

  • October 8, 2008 6:32 a.m.

    I am 62 years old and single. Both my OBGYN and my Internist suggested I get this vaccine, so I have had all 3 shots. No one ever talks about older single women and the need for this vaccine. Why not? I have never had an abnormal Pap smear.

    - BJH

  • October 8, 2008 2:53 a.m.

    I am a 34 year old woman who has been diagnosed with HPV. I do not know what kind, however. Is this vaccine something that women over 30 should consider? And what about women who alreay have it?

    - Claudia

  • October 7, 2008 2:59 a.m.

    Can this vaccine be used in man as far as genital wart is concerned?

    - patrick wilson

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