Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Select any of the links below to jump to a specific topic.

• HPV Overview
  • What is HPV?
  • What are the symptoms of HPV?
  • Who is at risk?
  • Limit the spread of HPV
• HPV Vaccine
  • When do people get HPV vaccine?
  • What are the side effects of HPV vaccine?
  • Why is HPV vaccine important?
• Vaccine Information Statement and Resources
  • Resources for the public
  • Resources for health care providers
• Washington State Vaccine Program

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Overview

What is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that causes genital, oral, and skin infections. The disease spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact. People of all genders can get HPV and spread it to others without realizing they have the virus. Most people will get an HPV infection in their late teens and early 20s.

There are many types of HPV. Most of them do not cause infections. However, some types of HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and back of the throat. These types of cancers are preventable with a vaccine against HPV infection. Read more about HPV and how it affects people on the HPV Vaccine: What Parents Need to Know (HealthyChildren.org).

What are the symptoms of HPV?

Most HPV infections will go away on their own, but some do not go away and can cause cancers later in life including cancer of the:

• Cervix, vagina, and vulva
• Back of the mouth and throat
• Penis
• Anus

Other types of HPV can cause genital warts.

Who is at risk?

HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus, even if they don’t have signs or symptoms. You can also get HPV through non-sexual activity such as touching infected skin or mucous membranes, including mouth-to-skin contact.

Limit the spread of HPV

There are several things you can do to limit the spread of HPV.

1. Get vaccinated, ideally before you become sexually active. Vaccination at age 9 to 10 years old produces the best immune response.
2. Get screened for cervical cancer. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend starting cervical cancer screening at age 21.
3. If you are sexually active, use condoms to lower the chances of getting HPV but know that condoms do not offer complete protection against HPV. HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, which can occur in areas not covered by a condom.

HPV Vaccine

When do people get HPV vaccine?

People age 9 to 26 should be vaccinated for HPV.

If starting before the 15^th birthday, children receive two doses of HPV vaccine.

• The first dose is recommended at 9 to 10 years of age.
• The second dose is recommended 6 to 12 months after the first dose.

If starting HPV vaccination after the 15^th birthday, people receive three doses of HPV vaccine. The recommended three dose schedule is as follows:

• The first dose should be given when possible.
• The second dose is recommended between 1 to 2 months after the first dose.
• The third dose is recommended 6 months after the first dose.

HPV vaccine is not recommended for:

• Pregnant people
• People who have an allergy to yeast
• Had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, or an allergic reaction to a previous dose of HPV vaccine

What are the side effects of HPV vaccine?

Most people experience minor or no side effects. The most common side effects of HPV vaccine include:

• Soreness, redness or swelling where the vaccine was given
• Fever or headache

This vaccine is continually monitored for safety. The benefits and side effects of this vaccine outweigh the risk of getting HPV and cancers caused by.

Why is HPV vaccine important?

Vaccination prevents over 90% of cancers caused by HPV. Since HPV vaccination was first recommended in 2006, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 88% among teen girls and 81% among young adult women (CDC).

Getting vaccinated as soon as you are eligible will increase your likelihood of being fully protected before your first HPV exposure.

Vaccine Information Statement and Resources

The Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) is given to parents/guardians at the time of vaccination. It explains the benefits and risks of the specific vaccination.

Read the current Vaccine Information Statement: HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Resources for the Public

• Adolescent Immunization Schedule At a Glance - 8.5x11" poster (PDF)
  • Calendario de Vacunación Para Adolescentes en Breve (Spanish) (PDF)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine at Age Nine
• Protect Your Child from Cancers Caused by HPV (Flyer) (PDF)
• Prevent HPV Cancer Starting at Age 9 (Brochure- Digital Version) (PDF)
• Prevent HPV Cancer Starting at Age 9 (Brochure- Print Version) (PDF)
• Do it for their future. A future that’s free from HPV cancers! (Poster) (PDF)

Resources for Health Care Providers

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Information for Health Care Providers
• Resource Center - National HPV Roundtable
• HPV Vaccination Recommendations (AAP)

Washington State Vaccine Program

The Washington State Childhood Vaccine Program provides vaccines to children less than 19 years of age at no cost. HPV vaccine is included in this program.

Most health insurance plans cover the HPV vaccine for adults who are in the recommended age range through age 26. If you’re uninsured, you can get the HPV vaccine for free from the Washington State Adult Vaccine Program.

View participating health care providers on the Department of Health’s Vaccine Provider Map.