Is the HPV vaccine safe?

The Human Papillomavirus also known as HPV is a common infection most people will come into contact with. This infection is commonly linked with different cancers in men and women as well as genital warts. People can carry the Human Papillomavirus without having any problems of their own but are still able to pass it onto someone else.

HPV is spread through sexual contact or coming into contact with other bodily fluids. Mothers who are infected with HPV can pass it onto their babies through the birth canal or from breastfeeding. HPV cannot be cured but it can be prevented with the Human Papillomavirus vaccine.

The HPV vaccine is more commonly known as Gardasil and Gardasil 9. It is recommended the vaccine is given between the ages of 15 and 26. These are the years most teenagers and young adults are at risk for contracting the Human Papillomavirus. Gardasil can be given 3 different times over the patient’s adolescent years.

The patient is given the first dose, then will receive the second dose 6 months later. The third and final dose is recommended for extra precaution but is not necessary. The difference between Gardasil and Gardasil 9 is the amount of HPV viruses it prevents.

The original Gardasil protects against four different HPV viruses. And like the name says Gardasil 9 protects against 9 different viruses.

Is the HPV vaccine safe? With anything sort of vaccine or medication there is potential for a reaction. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention put a lot of time, money and research behind these vaccines to make sure they are safe before being available to the general public. The HPV vaccine went through numerous clinical trials and studies to guarantee your safety.

And once a vaccine is released the CDC continues to watch these new vaccinations. The CDC has implemented three different systems that continuously monitors these vaccines. One is known as the Vaccine Adverse Reaction Reporting System. This allows doctors, patients and nurses to report adverse reactions in patients or themselves.

Another system used is the Vaccine Safety Datalink. This allows the CDC and different health care organizations to continue monitoring those who have received the vaccine.

And the final system is called the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment project. The purpose of this system is to conduct trials and research on certain groups of people.

The Human Papillomavirus vaccination has been known to cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects associated with Gardasil include: irritation and redness at the point of injection, low grade fever, drowsiness, headache, minor muscle pain and nausea.

Sometimes the patient may feel dizzy up to 15 minutes after receiving the vaccination. It is important to have the patient remain sitting and laying down for a few minutes to prevent falling. In some rare instances an allergic reaction can occur.

Yes, the HPV vaccine is safe. The side effects associated with the HPV vaccine seem so minor in comparison to what the Human Papillomavirus can cause later in life.

There are risks associated with any sort of vaccine or medication. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has done an excellent job making sure this vaccine is safe for the general public.

It’s important before receiving any vaccine that people are always aware of the risk and benefits. This vaccine may not be recommended for certain people. But it is recommended for people with an autoimmune disease or disorder. Even though Gardasil is not a required vaccination it is definitely recommended for young adolescents.

This is a guest blog entry.