HPV vaccine - meaning and definition
AlsoHPV vaccinationGardasilHPV jabHPV shotCervarixcervical cancer vaccine
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of human papillomavirus most likely to cause cancers and genital warts, and works best before a person becomes sexually active.
At a glance
- Many countries offer the HPV vaccine to young people of all genders at around 11 to 14 years old.
- It works best when given before a person becomes sexually active.
- The vaccine is safe and highly effective.
- High coverage has led to large falls in HPV infection, genital warts and precancerous cervical changes.
- Vaccination does not replace cervical screening.
In detail
Many countries offer the HPV vaccine to young people of all genders at around 11 to 14 years old, and some offer catch-up doses to older groups or to people at higher risk, such as gay and bisexual men.
The vaccine is safe and highly effective. Where coverage is high, it has led to large falls in HPV infection, genital warts and precancerous changes in the cervix.
Vaccination does not replace cervical screening, because the vaccine does not cover every high-risk type.
In a sentence
- The school nurse sent home a consent form for the HPV vaccine.
- He asked the sexual health clinic whether he could still get the HPV vaccine as an adult.
Where the word comes from
The first HPV vaccines were licensed in 2006, and national programmes spread widely in the following years.
Common questions
Is the HPV vaccine only for girls?
No. Many countries now offer it to young people of all genders, because HPV can cause warts and cancers in anyone. Some also offer catch-up doses to older groups or people at higher risk.
Do I still need cervical screening if I had the HPV vaccine?
Yes. The vaccine does not cover every high-risk HPV type, so screening is still recommended for people with a cervix. A doctor or screening service can explain what applies to you.