HPV vaccine: What teens need to know
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Canada. That means it passes from person to person through sexual contact.
There are many different types of HPV. Many of them can affect the genital area of men and women including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina) or anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix (the part of the uterus that opens into the vagina), or rectum (bum).
How is it spread?
HPV infection can be passed through any type of sexual activity, not just intercourse.
HPV is very common. People usually get it during the first 5 years after they start any type of sexual activity. As many as 1 in 4 Canadians under 25 who were tested—both male and female—have HPV.
Does HPV make people sick?
Most people don’t know they have HPV, because usually there are no symptoms.
Some people with HPV will have genital warts (flat, flesh-colored bumps or tiny, cauliflower-like bumps that vary in size). In women, genital warts can grow on the vulva, the area between vagina and anus, in the vagina and on the cervix. In men, genital warts can grow on the penis, near the anus, or between the penis and the scrotum.
HPV is also the leading cause of cervical cancer in women. Cervical cancer (that affects the cervix) is the second most common form of cancer in women.
HPV can also cause rectal cancer in men.
Most people who are infected with HPV do not develop cancer. If it happens, the cancer develops slowly, after the virus has been in your body for many years. The best way to prevent these cancers from developing is to prevent HPV infection in everyone.
Should I get the HPV vaccine?
There is a safe and effective vaccine that can help protect girls and women from several kinds of HPV that cause cancer and warts.
Girls between the ages of 9 and 26 years should get this vaccine. The vaccine hasn’t yet been approved for use in males, but more studies are being done to see if it should also be given to them.
You need 3 doses of the vaccine to be protected. The second dose is given 2 months after the first, and the third dose after 6 months.
Do I need it if I am not yet having sex?
The best way to protect yourself from any sexually transmitted disease is to not have sex. However, even if you are not having sex (intercourse) you can still become infected with HPV through sexual touching or oral sex.
For the vaccine to work the best, you need to get it before you start any sexual activity.
Does the HPV vaccine protect against all sexually transmitted infections?
No. The HPV vaccine does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections. It also does not protect against all types of HPV.
The vaccine does not work as well if you have already been infected with the kinds of HPV that are in the vaccine.
Not having sex is the best way to protect yourself. If you are sexually active, safe sex practices—including using a condom—can help reduce the risk of other infections.
If you are sexually active, even if you have received the HPV vaccine, you should have regular Pap tests. A Pap test looks for very early signs of cervical cancer.
How safe is the HPV vaccine?
It is very safe. The vaccine has already been given safely to thousands of girls and young women. You cannot get HPV from the vaccination.
With any vaccine, there may be some redness, swelling or pain at the place where the needle went into the arm or leg.
Is there any reason to NOT get the vaccine?
- The HPV vaccine does hurt a little, but remember it helps to prevent a very serious disease.
- If you are pregnant or think you maybe be pregnant, do not get vaccinated.
- If you had an allergic reaction (such as trouble breathing, hives or a rash) to a previous dose of the HPV vaccine, speak to your doctor.
- You do not need to wait to get the vaccine if you are sick with a minor cold or have a low grade (minor) fever.
Where can I get the vaccine?
In some provinces you can get the vaccine as part of a program at your school. If not, talk to your doctor about the vaccine.
For more information
For complete information on vaccinations in Canada, read Your Child's Best Shot: A Parent's Guide to Vaccination.
Reviewed by the CPS Infectious Diseases and Immunization Committee
Posted: April 2008
This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Canadian Paediatric Society
2305 St. Laurent Blvd.,
Ottawa, Ont. K1G 4J8
Phone: 613-526-9397, fax: 613-526-3332 |
