The Facts About the Cervical
Cancer Vaccine
The HPV vaccine approved by the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration gives women a
better shot at protecting themselves from
cervical cancer. Get the facts about the
immunization with these answers to
frequently asked questions.
How Does the Vaccine Work?
The vaccine keeps women from contracting
certain types of the roughly 100 strains
of human papillomavirus (HPV). Almost
27 percent of women ages 14 to 59 have
an HPV infection, according to data
from The Journal of the American Medical
Association.
HPV infections are mainly spread
through sexual contact. Most women can
beat HPV infections; they often go away
on their own. But infections from certain
types may lead to cell changes in the cervix,
resulting in genital warts or cancer.
The vaccine protects against HPV strains
known to cause:
- 70 percent of cervical cancers
- 90 percent of genital warts
Who Is It Recommended For?
The vaccine is approved for females from
ages 9 to 26. Experts recommend girls
get immunized before being exposed to
infection. Women in their late teens
and 20s are more likely to already have
an HPV infection. The government's
Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices recommends:
- A routine vaccination for girls ages 11
to 12
- A catch-up vaccination for girls ages 13
to 26 who weren't immunized at an
earlier age
Talk with your doctor before getting
any vaccination to see if it's right for you
or a loved one.
Why Are Pap Tests Still Necessary?
The vaccine doesn't shield against all cancercausing
HPV strains. It also can't offer
protection for women already infected
with certain HPV types. As a result, all
women should continue having regular
Pap tests as advised by their doctors. This
test is still the best method for detecting
precancerous cells.
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