Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine

What is HPV?

Human Papilloma Virus is a viral skin disease. There are approximately 100 types of HPV. Some HPV types only infect the genital area and may cause warts; some cause mild changes in cervical cells that do not turn into cancer, and some cause changes that may become cervical cancer or other types of cancer (includine penile, anal and oropharyngeal-mouth and throat-cancers) if present for many years.

In adults, the disorder is considered a sexually transmitted infection, passed from person to person through intimate contact. Infection with HPV is very common, although the majority of people have no symptoms (asymptomatic). In several studies done on college women, nearly half were positive for HPV; however, only 1 to 2% had visible warts and less than 10% had ever had any visible genital warts.

What are HPV related cancers, precancerous lesions, and genital warts?

Cervical cancer and other HPV related cancers are serious diseases that can be life-threatening. These diseases are caused by certain HPV types that can cause the cells in the lining of the cervix, vulva and vagina, anus, penis, or throat to change from normal to precancerous lesions. If these are not treated, they can turn cancerous.

Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV and often appear as skin-colored growths on the inside or outside of the genitals. They can hurt, itch, bleed, or cause discomfort. Topical and surgical treatments are available for the treatment of warts.

back to top

What is the HPV vaccine and how is it given?

The vaccine for HPV, called GARDASIL, protects against 4 types of HPV (types 6, 11, 16, 18) that are linked to 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. It is not used to treat HPV. GARDASIL is given as a 3 dose injection. The second dose is given 2 months after the first injection and the third dose is given 6 months after the first injection. You are able to receive all 3 injections in the series at University Health Services, even if you have had any of the doses given by a provider outside of Brown. You must receive all 3 doses to get the full benefits of the vaccine. If you miss a dose, your medical provider will decide when to give the missed dose.

You can call 401.863-3953 to make an appointment at Health Services.

Who should not receive GARDASIL?

GARDASIL is approved for men and women. You should not receive GARDASIL if you:

  • are pregnant
  • have had an allergic reaction after getting GARDASIL doses or are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine (purified inactive proteins that come from HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, amorphous aluminum hydorxyphosphate, sulfate, sodium chloride, L histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium borate, and water)

back to top

Will GARDASIL help me if I have already had HPV in the past?

Even if you have been infected with HPV in the past, you may still benefit from the vaccine. Although HPV is common among sexually active people, most are not infected with all four types of HPV that the vaccination prevents. In clinical trials, individuals with current or past infections with one or more vaccine-related HPV types prior to vaccination were protected from disease caused by the remaining vaccine HPV types.

What are the possible side effects of GARDASIL?

As with all vaccines, there is a possibility of side effects with GARDASIL. Although it has been shown to be generally well tolerated, the most commonly reported side effects included:

  • pain, swelling, itching, and redness at the injection site
  • fever

back to top

What should I tell my medical provider before I am vaccinated with GARDASIL?

It is important to tell you medical provider if you

  • have had an allergic reaction to the vaccine
  • have had a bleeding disorder and cannot receive injections in the arm
  • have a weakened immune system
  • are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • have any illness with a fever higher than 100°F
  • take or plan to take any medicines, even over-the-counter medicines.

Do I still need to have a yearly GYN exam if I receive GARDASIL?

You still need to have an annual GYN exam if you have had the vaccine. GARDASIL does not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening. Remember, the vaccine does not protect against all of the HPV types that are linked with cervical cancer, nor does it protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, safer sex protection, such as use of condoms and dental dams, is still recommended. Additionally, a yearly GYN exam is an opportunity to maintain your overall reproductive health. As with all vaccines, GARDASIL may not fully protect everyone who gets the vaccine.

Links you can use

Gardasil

back to top

Disclaimer: Health Education is part of Health Services at Brown University. Health Education maintains this site as a resource for Brown students. This site is not intended to replace consultation with your medical providers. No site can replace real conversation. Health Education offers no endorsement of and assumes no liability for the currency, accuracy, or availability of the information on the sites we link to or the care provided by the resources listed. Health Services staff are available to treat and give medical advice to Brown University students only. If you are not a Brown student, but are in need of medical assistance please call your own health care provider or in case of an emergency, dial 911. Please contact us if you have comments, questions or suggestions.