The HPV vaccine is a shot that protects you from Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
- The Goal: To protect against cervical cancer, genital warts, and other HPV-related cancers caused by high-risk types of HPV.
WHO CAN GET IT / WHO IS IT RECOMMENDED FOR?
- Most Effective: Girls and boys aged 9-14 (before becoming sexually active).
- People aged 15 and older can also get it, but 3 doses are required (not 2 doses).
- Sexually active individuals can also get the vaccine, though its effectiveness might be slightly reduced if they have already been exposed to the virus.
TYPES OF VACCINES
- 2-Valent (HPV 16, 18): Reduces the risk of cervical cancer.
- 4-Valent (HPV 6, 11, 16, 18): Protects against cervical cancer + genital warts.
- 9-Valent (HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58): Provides broader protection.
We prefer the 9-valent vaccine.
