HPV Vaccine Clinic in Arcadia, CA

The HPV vaccine is designed to provide protection against a prevalent virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV exists in over 100 different types, and while most of them cause no noticeable symptoms and clear up on their own, certain strains can lead to significant health problems such as cancer and genital warts. The primary function of the HPV vaccine is to safeguard against the specific types of HPV that are responsible for the majority of these health issues.
 
Many strains of HPV are transmitted through sexual contact and are strongly linked to most cases of cervical cancer. Additionally, the vaccine is also effective in preventing vaginal and vulvar cancer in women. Furthermore, the HPV vaccine offers protection against other types of cancers, such as anal cancers, as well as mouth, throat, head, and neck cancers, in both women and men.

The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years, and it can be administered as early as age 9 years. The vaccination is crucial for all preteens to protect them from HPV infections that could potentially lead to cancer later in life. For individuals who did not receive the vaccine during their preteen years, teens and young adults up to age 26 years are also eligible to receive the HPV vaccine.
 
The recommended vaccination schedule for 11- to 12-year-olds involves receiving two doses of the HPV vaccine, spaced 6 to 12 months apart. The first dose is routinely given at ages 11 to 12 years, with the option to start as early as age 9 years. If the first dose is administered before the 15th birthday, only two doses are needed. However, for those who begin the vaccination series later, between ages 15 and 26 years, three doses of the HPV vaccine are required.

The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered before becoming sexually active, providing protection against the types of HPV it targets. However, it still offers benefits for those who are already sexually active and have not been infected with the targeted HPV types. When given to individuals before they engage in sexual activity, the vaccine can prevent nearly all infections caused by the specific HPV strains covered by the vaccine.
 
For those who are already sexually active, it is possible that they may have been exposed to one or more of the HPV types addressed by the vaccine. While the vaccine might not provide complete protection in such cases, it can still offer valuable benefits. Few young sexually active individuals are infected with all the HPV types prevented by the vaccine, which means that most individuals can still benefit from vaccination and gain protection against the remaining HPV types.

The HPV vaccine is not recommended for everyone above the age of 26 years. However, some adults aged 27 through 45 years, who have not yet received the vaccine, may choose to do so after discussing their individual risk of new HPV infections with their healthcare provider. In this age range, HPV vaccination may provide less benefit as many individuals might have already been exposed to HPV.
 
Before getting the HPV vaccine, it is essential to inform your doctor about any severe allergies you may have. Certain individuals should not receive specific HPV vaccines if they have previously experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction to any ingredient of an HPV vaccine or had an allergic response to a previous dose of the vaccine.
 
Moreover, if someone has an allergy to yeast, they should avoid the Gardasil and Gardasil 9 vaccines. Additionally, individuals who are currently pregnant should not receive the HPV vaccine.
 
HPV vaccine is available at Woman’s First Choice. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Arcadia CA, Monrovia CA, Rosemead CA, El Monte CA, Pasadena CA, Alhambra CA, and Baldwin Park CA.