What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Ceravix; Gardasil Vaccine Side-Effects
- MedlinePlus: HPV Vaccine
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Pros and Cons About the HPV Vaccine
The human papilloma virus, or HPV, is a viral infection primarily transmitted through sexual contact. It can cause genital warts and cervical cancer in infected people. People can reduce their risk of infection by receiving one of the two HPV vaccines available as of 2010. Prior to treatment, people should discuss the cons about the HPV vaccines with a medical professional.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Side Effects
Approximately 80 to 90 percent of patients report experiencing pain at the injection site, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1. Injection site swelling, inflammation or redness may also affect certain patients. Additional side effects associated with either HPV vaccine include fever and headache 5. Treatment with a HPV vaccine may also induce a brief fainting spell in patients 5. CDC health officials recommend that patients remain seated for at least 15 minutes following receipt of a HPV vaccine to limit the severity of dizziness or fainting side effects 5.
Long-Term or Severe Risks
Flu Symptoms After a Tetanus Injection
Learn More
As of 2010, the long-term risks of the HPV vaccines are not fully understood. This lack of knowledge is one of the cons about the HPV vaccines, according to Ohio State University 4. Severe complications have been reported by patients who have received an HPV vaccine 5. These complications are rare, but include Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a nerve disorder that causes severe muscle weakness, and blood clots, warns the CDC.cause:
- These complications are rare
- but include Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- a nerve disorder that causes severe muscle weakness,
- blood clots
- warns the CDC
Limited Viral Protection
The HPV vaccines are only effective against two to four of the over 70 different strains of HPV, according to Drugs.com 2. Consequently, patients who receive this vaccine may still be at risk of developing genital warts or cervical cancer caused by HPV strains that are not included in the immunization 5. Additionally, the HPV vaccines do not treat currently active HPV genital warts or cervical cancer, regardless of what HPV strain caused the infection.
Increased Sexual Activity
How Long Does the Shingles Vaccine Last?
Learn More
Patients predominately develop HPV after engaging in sexual activities with an infected partner. Opponents of the HPV vaccine believe that treatment of patients as young as 9 years old may result in increased sexual activity or promiscuity, notes Ohio State University, though such concerns are unfounded as of 2010 45.
Related Articles
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Ceravix; Gardasil Vaccine Side-Effects
- Drugs.com: Ceravix
- Merck: Gardasil
- Ohio State University: Fact Sheet - HPV Vaccine: Pros and Cons
- MedlinePlus: HPV Vaccine
- Meites E, Szilagyi PG, Chesson HW, et al. Human papillomavirus vaccination for adults: Updated recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2019;68:698–702. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6832a3
- Saslow D, Andrews KS, Manassaram-baptiste D, et al. Human papillomavirus vaccination 2020 guideline update: American Cancer Society guideline adaptation. CA Cancer J Clin. Jul 8, 2020;7(4):274-280. doi:10.3322/caac.21616
- World Health Organization. Human papillomavirus and HPV vaccines.
- Food and Drug Administration. Package insert - Gardasil 9.
- Meites E, Kempe A, Markowitz LE. Use of a 2-dose schedule for human papillomavirus vaccination—updated recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:1405–1408.
- Brotherton JM, Budd A, Rompotis C, et al. Is one dose of human papillomavirus vaccine as effective as three?: A national cohort analysis. Papillomavirus Res. 2019;8:100177. doi:10.1016/j.pvr.2019.100177
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV vaccine recommendations. Updated 2016.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV and Cancer.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Human Papillomavirus.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV Vaccine Safety.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Questions about HPV vaccine safety. 2019.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV vaccine safety and effectiveness. 2016.
Writer Bio
Rae Uddin has worked as a freelance writer and editor since 2004. She specializes in scientific journalism and medical and technical writing. Her work has appeared in various online publications. Uddin earned her Master of Science in integrated biomedical sciences with an emphasis in molecular and cellular biochemistry from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.