Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a highly contagious virus that, untreated, can result in a number of life-threatening cancers. It is the most common sexually- transmitted disease, and, like some other STDs, it can also be spread outside of sexual contact. The HPV vaccine has proven to be one of the most reliable vaccines in existence, and when administered at an early age can protect an individual from the most common strains of this potentially lethal virus.
We spoke with Sheila Nolan, M.D., Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network to get the facts about both the HPV virus and the HPV vaccine.
What, exactly, is HPV and how does it spread?
HPV is the human papillomavirus. It’s a virus that can cause genital and anal warts and causes certain forms of cervical cancer, anal and penile cancers, and throat cancer. It is transmitted through skin to skin contact, most commonly through sexual contact but it doesn’t have to be the act of sex. That is the primary way the virus moves from person to person, but people don’t have to be sexually engaged in order to acquire it.
Strains of HPV can also cause oral and mouth cancer, so sexual activity is not required to contract the virus. Any close, intimate contact such as kissing can pass the strains. We know that it can spread in secretions.
What is the difference between the different HPV vaccines?
There are three different formulations of the HPV vaccine available in the U.S. The most basic covers two of the strains of HPV – HPV 16 and HPV 18 – which are the most common strains that cause cervical cancer.
The current recommended vaccine is called Gardasil. There was an earlier version of Gardasil that covered four strains of the virus, and now Gardasil 9 covers nine strains, covering the vast majority – close to 90 percent – of the different strains that cause cervical cancer and the two primary strains that cause anal cancer.
How does the HPVvaccine work?
The HPV vaccine is made differently than other licensed vaccines. It’s what we call a virus-like particle. They’ve been able to insert part of the virus genome into yeast cells that “manufacture” the viral capsid [the protein shell of the virus], so none of the genetic material of the virus is in the vaccine. The capsid protein looks like a virus to the body’s immune system and the body is able to produce highly effective antibodies that protect the recipient when they are exposed to HPV. Since there is no genetic material within the capsid, it is not a virus and cannot replicate making the vaccine extremely safe.
When should a child receive the HPV vaccine?
The current recommendation is for all boys and girls to get the vaccine between the ages of 11 and 12. They should be inoculated before they have any chance of acquiring HPV. We know that it is safe and it is very effective, and we know from studies that the earlier the vaccine is administered, the more effective it is in preventing all the covered cancers.
Are there any side effects to the vaccine?
The most common side effects of the vaccine we see are pain and redness at the vaccination site. On the vaccine label there’s a warning about fainting after receiving the vaccine, but that seems to be more of an adolescent phenomenon. Still, it is advisable for patients to sit or lay down after getting the shot. Other than that, no significant issues have been detected.
What can you say to parents who might be concerned that giving their child the HPV vaccine is on some way encouraging bad behavior?
There have been controversies raised with certain groups who think giving 11 and 12-year-olds the HPV vaccine will cause boys and girls to be more promiscuous, but that’s not really the case. Before the vaccine was introduced, studies have shown that nearly 10 percent of children have had sex by the age of 13. This is one of the few vaccines we have that can actually help prevent cancer. The risk of the virus being transmitted is high, and remember, you don’t need to have actual intercourse in order to transmit it.
The vaccine is a series of three injections over a six-month period. For full protection against all nine strains in the vaccine, you need to receive all three doses. The best way to protect your kids is to give them the vaccine at the recommended age.
David Neilsen is a frequent contributor to Westchester Family.
Sheila Nolan, M.D., MSCE, Chief of Pediatric Infections and Diseases at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, the children’s hospital for Westchester County the Hudson Valley and Fairfield County. For more information about the hospital or to schedule an appointment with a Children’s Hospital doctor, please visit westchestermedicalcenter.com/mfch or call 877-WMC-DOCS (877-962-3627).
