The HPV vaccine is an injection that prevents infections of two types of human papillomavirus. This vaccine lowers your risk of getting cervical cancer. You can’t get HPV from this vaccine and it doesn’t treat cervical cancer.
HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS VACCINE (HYOO muhn pap uh LOH muh vahy ruhs vak SEEN) is a vaccine. It is used to prevent infections of two types of the human papillomavirus. This will lower your risk of getting cervical cancer and abnormal cervical lesions. You cannot get these diseases from the vaccine. This medicine does not treat cervical cancer.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cervarix
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•fever or infection
•hemophilia
•HIV infection or AIDS
•immune system problems
•low platelet count
•an unusual reaction to Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
This vaccine is for injection in a muscle on your upper arm. It is given by a health care professional. You will be observed for 15 minutes after each dose. Sometimes, fainting happens after the vaccine is given. You may be asked to sit or lie down during the 15 minutes. Three doses are given. The second dose is given 1 month after the first dose. The last dose is given 5 months after the second dose.
A Vaccine Information Statement will be given before each vaccination. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Keep appointments for follow-up (booster) doses as directed. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
•other vaccines
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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This vaccine may not fully protect everyone. This vaccine does not prevent all types of cervical cancer. Continue to have regular pelvic exams and cervical cancer screenings as directed by your doctor.
The Human Papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted disease. It can be passed by any kind of sexual activity that involves genital contact. The vaccine works best when given before you have any contact with the virus. Many people who have the virus do not have any signs or symptoms.
Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have any reaction or unusual symptom after getting the vaccine.
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•breathing problems
•feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•fever
•headache
•muscle pain
•nausea, vomiting
•redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or itching at site where injected
•stomach pain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
This vaccine is only given in a clinic, pharmacy, doctor's office, or other health care setting and will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy