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Ask the AIPO Experts
Clinical answers to vaccine questions
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Human Papillomavirus (HPV) & HPV Vaccine
HPV Vaccines Prevent Many Cancers
- HPV infections cause cervical, vaginal, anal, penile, vulvar, and oropharyngeal cancers that occur decades after the initial infection.
- About 37,000 HPV-associated cancers occur each year in the U.S. including 12,900 oropharyngeal cancers, 18,800 cervical cancers, and 6,000 anal cancers (MMWR, 2019).
Key Points of HPV Vaccine
- There is only one HPV vaccine available in the United States, Gardasil 9 (9vHPV) by Merck.
- 9vHPV is recommended for males and females, ages 9 to 45 years.
- HPV vaccine works best when given prior to first exposure. HPV vaccine is less effective among people who may have already been infected with some HPV strains. It cannot treat a current infection but can prevent new infections.
- HPV vaccine works! There has been an 88% drop in HPV infections that cause cancer among teen girls.
What is the dosing and schedule?
- Age 9-14 years: 2 dose series at 0 and 6-12 months; Minimum interval of 5 months.
- Age 15 and older: 3 dose series at 0, 1-2 months, and 6 months; Minimum intervals: 4 weeks between dose 1 and dose 2; 12 weeks between dose 2 and dose 3; and 5 months between dose 1 and dose 3.
Can pregnant, breastfeeding or lactating women receive the HPV vaccine?
- HPV vaccination should be delayed until after pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding and lactating persons can receive HPV Vaccine.
Do I need to test for HPV before vaccination?
- No testing (either Pap or HPV antibody testing) is needed before HPV vaccination.
Are HPV vaccine booster doses needed?
- No additional doses are needed after receiving the recommended doses.
Are HPV vaccines effective in older adolescents or adults?
- HPV vaccine is less effective among people who may have already been infected with some HPV strains, so it is best to administer HPV vaccines prior to any HPV exposures.
Resource:
CDC Pink Book Chapter 11, Human Papillomavirus
Contact the Arizona Immunization Program Office (AIPO) for Assistance
The AIPO has clinical staff available to assist with your immunization questions. Contact the following individuals (or your county health department) for assistance:
Main Desk: 602-364-3630, ask for a nurse consultation.
Michelina Stazzone, DNP, RN, CPNP Michelina.stazzone@azdhs.gov, 480-259-5342
Shannon Clark, BSN, RN Shannon.Clark@azdhs.gov, 480-261-5557
Sharon Sweeney, MPH, BSN Sharon.sweeney@azdhs.gov
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