 |
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|
 |
Administrative Offices 345 Whitney Avenue New Haven, CT 06511 203.865.5158 Email Us! |
|
|
The first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer caused by certain types of human papilloma virus (HPV) has been approved by the FDA! The vaccine, Gardasil®, protects against four HPV types, which are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. We offer Gardasil® in all of our health centers.
How is GARDISIL® given?
The vaccine is given through a series of three injections over a six-month period. The second and third doses should be given two and six months (respectively) after the first dose. This vaccine does not treat existing HPV, genital warts, precancers or cancers.
What is HPV?
Genital HPV is a common virus that is passed on through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. While most HPV types cause no symptoms and go away on their own, some types can cause cervical cancer in women. Other types of HPV can cause warts in the genital areas of men and women, called genital warts. Read more.
Who is at risk for HPV infection?
At least 50% of sexually active people will get HPV at some time in their lives. Every year in the U.S., about 6.2 million people get HPV. HPV is most common in young women and men who are in their late teens and early 20s.
Anyone who has ever had genital contact with another person can get HPV. Both men and women can get it – and pass it on to their sex partners- without even realizing it.
How can HPV lead to certain types of cervical cancer?
Some types of HPV can infect a woman’s cervix (lower part of the womb) and cause the cells to change. Most of the time, HPV goes away on its own. When HPV is gone, the cervix cells go back to normal. But sometimes, HPV does not go away. Instead, it lingers (persists) and continues to change the cells on a woman’s cervix. These cell changes can lead to cancer over time, if they are not treated.
Protect yourself from cervical cancer now!
Find A Health Center
Back to top
