Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - NYC Health

Health

Promoting and Protecting the City's Health


Health TopicsNeighborhood HealthEmergency Prep


Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S. Over 40 million people in the U.S. have HPV infection and nearly half of infections occur in teens and young adults ages 15 to 24. HPV infection can cause genital warts and some infections can eventually lead to cancer.

Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV. Most sexually active people who are not vaccinated get HPV infection at some point in their lives, even if they only have one sexual partner.

HPV is spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex and can also be spread through genital-to-genital contact.

You can spread HPV even if you do not have symptoms.

Symptoms

Most people with HPV infection do not show symptoms. Some people with the infection may develop genital warts.

Cancer that results from HPV infections can take years to develop, and you may not experience symptoms until the cancer is advanced.

HPV-associated cancers include:

Oropharyngeal (back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils)

Cervical

Anal

Vulvar

Vaginal

Penile

Some HPV-associated pre-cancers can be detected through routine cervical tests. If left untreated, these pre-cancers can advance to cancer.

Cancers of the head, neck and throat (oropharynx) are the most common HPV-associated cancers in the U.S. Cervical cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer among women and people with a cervix.

Treatment

There is no treatment for HPV infections. Nine out of every 10 infections will clear on their own within two years. It is not possible to know which infections will persist and go on to cause further health problems, such as genital warts or cancer.

Genital warts can be removed with prescribed medications. Some warts also disappear on their own.

HPV-related cancers are most treatable when they are diagnosed and treated early. Starting at age 21, women and people with a cervix should have routine cervical cancer screening. Certain people at higher risk for anal cancer, including men who have sex with men, may need routine anal Pap tests. Talk with your primary care provider about your risk and whether you should get tested.

Prevention

The best way to prevent HPV is with a vaccine. Condoms and dental dams can lower the chance of spreading HPV, but HPV can still infect areas not covered by the condom or dental dam.

The HPV vaccine protects against nine types of HPV, including the types that cause most cervical cancers. The vaccine is up to 99% effective in preventing cervical, vaginal and vulvar abnormalities, which can develop into cancer if left untreated. The vaccine also protects against most genital warts and anal cancers. Women and people with a cervix who receive the vaccine are less likely to have abnormal Pap tests, cervical pre-cancer and genital warts.

The vaccine works best on people who have not been exposed to HPV. If you are sexually active and may have been exposed to HPV, the vaccine can still be effective. The vaccine protects against several types of HPV, and it is likely you may not have been exposed to one of those types of the virus.

Most HPV infections are acquired in adolescence and young adulthood. However, having a new sex partner is a risk factor for acquiring a new HPV infection at any age. Adults who are at risk of acquiring a new HPV infection should talk to their health care provider about the vaccine.

HPV Vaccine

Expand AllCollapse All

Recommendations

HPV vaccine is recommended for:

Children ages 9 through 12

Adolescents and young adults up to age 26 who did not start or finish the HPV vaccine series when they were younger

Some adults ages 27 through 45 who did not get all recommended doses of the vaccine when they were younger might decide to get the HPV vaccine based on discussion with their clinician

Adolescents who start the series younger than age 15 should receive two shots at least six months apart. Anyone who starts the series at age 15 or older will require three shots given over six months.

Side Effects and Safety

The HPV vaccine is safe and does not interfere with other vaccines. The HPV vaccine does not cause serious health problems. Severe allergic reactions are rare.

Side effects are usually mild and short-lived. They include:

Soreness at the injection site

Fever

Headache

Nausea

Before being vaccinated, tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies, including to yeast. Anyone who has ever had a serious allergic reaction to any ingredient of the HPV vaccine, or to a previous dose of the HPV vaccine, should not get the vaccine.

People with a mild illness, such as a low-grade fever, cold, ear infection or mild diarrhea, can be vaccinated.

Pregnancy

The HPV vaccine is not recommended for pregnant people and should not be given during pregnancy. However, studies do not show safety concerns for pregnant people or their fetus if the vaccine is accidentally given.

If a person is found to be pregnant after starting the vaccination series, they should wait to finish the series until they are no longer pregnant.

People who are nursing may get the vaccine.

Consent

Teens in New York State seeking sexual health care services do not need parental or guardian permission to receive the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is available at School Based Health Centers in NYC public schools, pediatrician offices, and other health care settings. Talk to your health care provider to find out if you can get the vaccine on your own if you are under age 18.

Additional Resources

Get the HPV Vaccine Palm Card (PDF)

Other Languages:
Español |
Русский |
繁體中文 |
简体中文 |
Kreyòl ayisyen |
한국어 |
العربية |
বাংলা |
Italiano |
Polski |
Français |
ײִדיש |
اردو

Get the HPV Vaccine Poster (PDF)

Other Languages:
Español |
Русский |
繁體中文 |
简体中文 |
Kreyòl ayisyen |
한국어 |
العربية |
বাংলা |
Italiano |
Polski |
Français |
ײִדיש |
اردو

HPV: What Every Teen Needs to Know (PDF)

Other Languages: Español

CDC: HPV Vaccine Safety

Video: HPV Today

Other Languages: Español

More Information

Cervical Cancer

Oral Health

Oral Health: Adult

Sexual Health Clinics