Tepeyac Family Center

HPV Vaccine Statement

For you to consider:  The information provided is given to make you aware of your options, in keeping with our mission to provide you with excellent medical care.  While the HPV vaccine is available for all of our patients in the age group, we recognize that you are a unique individual and should choose the care that best meets your needs. As you read this information and decide whether to receive the vaccine or not, please know that Tepeyac Family Center will walk you through this process in the context of faith.  Feel free to discuss this topic with your provider(s).

Human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer and genital warts, is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States.  HPV is spread through sexual contact which includes, but is not limited to, sexual intercourse.  The most effective way to avoid an infection with HPV is to abstain from sexual relations before marriage and to remain faithful if married.  But because more than 50% of men and women are infected with HPV at sometime in their lives, exposure to the virus is possible even in a monogamous relationship, due to a spouse’s possible prior exposure to HPV.  Additionally, we live in a world where non-consensual sex is a sad reality and receiving the vaccine would provide protection against unexpected exposure to HPV. 

There are about 40 types of HPV.  Recently, a vaccine has been approved to provide protection against the four most common types of HPV.  Two of these types cause 70% of all cervical cancers and the other two types cause 90% of genital warts.  The HPV vaccine, Gardasil, can thus prevent most genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer.  The facts listed below can help you decide whether the HPV vaccine is right for you.

• Gardasil is approved for use in girls/women aged 9 - 26 years.

• Ideally, the vaccine should be given before the onset of sexual activity; however, sexually active females can still derive some benefit from the vaccine.

• The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine vaccination against HPV beginning with 11 - 12 year olds.

• There is no evidence that the vaccine would be effective as a treatment against an existing HPV vaccine/condition.

• The vaccine is given as a three dose series over six months-months 0, 2, and 6.

• The vaccine is approved for lactating women but NOT recommended for pregnant women.

• Side effects are mostly localized reactions: pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site.

• Currently, there is evidence indicating that a vaccinated woman is still protected against HPV  five years after receiving the vaccine.  However, research is currently underway to determine whether or not a booster shot will be necessary in the future.