HPV is transmitted through sexual contact, and there are about 40 types HPV that are quite harmful. HPV virus has also been associated with other kinds of cancers, such as vaginal, penile, vulvar, mouth, anal, and throat cancers. A HPV infection leads to specific types of cancer in men as well as women.
Many people infected with HPV also get genital warts, cervical cancer and other forms of cancer. But most people who contract the disease do not show any symptoms. Cancers caused by the papillomavirus are prevalent but can be prevented by the HPV Vaccination which we offer at all our pharmacies.
Is the HPV Vaccination effective?
If an individual is not infected with any of the virus types present in the HPV vaccine, protection against the varieties that cause cervical cancers is almost 100%, and protection against the types that cause genital warts is around 99%. Therefore the HPV Vaccination is highly recommended before the onset of any sexual activity. However, a person can be administered the vaccine after becoming sexually active.
Who Should Get This Vaccine?
- Either Gardasil or Gardasil-9 is advised for boys and girls 11 or 12 years old or starting at nine years old.
- The HPV vaccination is also recommended for individuals up to 26 years old who haven’t already received the vaccine or finished the series of shots.
- HPV Vaccine can offer excellent protection against HPV-based cancers in any age group.
- Certain individuals who may have new sexual contacts shortly and might be exposed to HPV should also consider getting vaccinated.
The HPV virus can lay dormant inside the body and can be spread through unprotected sexual contact. Pregnant women can spread HPV to their fetuses.
