HPV and Vaccination Against HPV

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States of America . The Centers for Disease Control estimates that in 2005 20 million Americans were infected with genital HPV and that 6.2 million people are infected every year. There is risk of transmission if there is any genital contact with a person infected with the virus. Many people have the virus but do not have any symptoms; therefore, they do not know they have it. In some cases the virus will go away in time, without causing any health problems. In others, it can cause genital warts, precancerous changes and cancer. There is no treatment to get rid of the virus itself, but having a healthy immune system (supported by a healthy lifestyle) is the best chance of encouraging the virus to go away.

There are many sub-types of HPV. Some subtypes are associated with genital warts in women and men. Some subtypes are associated with pre-cancerous cell changes on the cervix in women and still others are associated with cervical cancer.

In June of 2006, the FDA approved licensing for a product called Gardasil® which is a vaccine that establishes immunity against four sub-types of HPV. HPV sub-types 16 and 18 are associated with 70% of all cervical cancers and sub-types 6 and 11 are associated with 90% of cases of genital warts. Gardasil® is effective (95-100% of the time) against these four sub-types of HPV. At this time, the vaccination is recommended for girls and women aged 9 to 26.

Gardasil® is given as a series of three immunizations. The second injection is administered two months after the first and the third is given six months after the first. Full protection is only realized after all three injections so it is important to complete the series before beginning sexual activity. If someone is already infected with one of the four sub-types covered by Gardasil®, the vaccination can still be protective against the other three. It is still beneficial, therefore, to have the vaccination even with a known history of HPV infection.

Studies have evaluated the safety of Gardasil® in 11,000 subjects. The most common adverse effects were minor pain and swelling at the site of the injection. Gardasil® does not introduce any actual virus into the body. It is not yet known if the series of vaccinations will provide life-long immunity. There may be a booster required later, if risk of exposure persists.

Having the vaccination does not substitute for regular Pap smears. Gardasil® prevents infection from sub-types 6, 11, 16 and 18 only, and although these are some of the most common and problematic types, there are others that could cause abnormal Pap smears and cancer.

There is much more information about HPV and about Gardasil that is available and that may pertain to your individual circumstances, or to that of your daughter. It is best to make an appointment for a consultation with your Health Care Provider to discuss the risks and benefits for you individually. Presently, the coverage for the series of vaccinations by Health Insurance Companies varies with each company and, in some cases, with each individual policy. It is best to check with your insurance provider before visiting your Physician so that you are aware of what your responsibility will be.

For more information, visit the FDA's pages

• on HPV
• FDA on Gardasil
• FDA's Frequently Asked Questions on Gardasil
  

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