The HPV vaccine helps protect you against certain types of HPV that can lead to cancer or genital warts. Also known by the brand name Gardasil 9, the HPV vaccine protects against:

• HPV types 16 and 18 — the 2 types that cause 80% of cervical cancer cases.
• HPV types 6 and 11, which cause 90% of genital warts cases.
• Another 5 types of HPV (types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) can lead to cancer of the cervix, anus, vulva/vagina, penis, or throat.

The HPV vaccine is given in a series of shots. For people ages 15-45, the HPV vaccine is 3 separate shots. The second shot is given 2 months after the first, and the third shot is given 4 months after the second shot. So, in all, it takes about 6 months to get all 3 shots.

For people ages 9-14, you only need to get 2 shots. The second shot is given 6 months after the first shot.

All people ages 9 to 45 can get the HPV vaccine to protect against genital warts and/or different types of HPV that can cause cancer. It’s recommended that children get the vaccine at age 11 or 12, so they’re fully protected years before they become sexually active.

But regardless of your age, talk with your nurse or doctor to find out if the HPV vaccine could benefit you.

Research shows that the vaccine is safe. The most common side effect is temporary pain and redness where you get the shot.

One of the reasons the HPV vaccine is controversial is because it prevents a sexually transmitted infection, which leads some people to believe it’s inappropriate for children. But, the thing is, the vaccine works best if you get it long before you have sex. So it’s a good idea to get it when you’re young so you won’t have to worry about getting certain kinds of cancer later in life.

Studies show that the HPV vaccine doesn’t lead to people having more sex or sex at a younger age. So giving kids the HPV vaccine doesn’t encourage them to have sex. All it does is help protect them from genital warts and cancer in adulthood.

Nope. If you already have an HPV infection, getting an HPV vaccine can’t treat it. It can, however, protect you from getting other types of HPV.

If you have an HPV infection, talk with your doctor or nurse to find out what tests or treatment you need.

You can get the HPV vaccine at Siddhidata Urology and Maternity Clinic. You can also get it from other clinics, health departments, and private nurses and doctors.