Side Effects of a Cervical Cancer Vaccination

Cervical cancer begins in the cervix and occurs when cells grow out of control. Cervical cancer is preventable if properly screened. The HPV vaccine is meant to prevent HPV infection and decrease risk for cervical cancer. Although all women are at risk for cervical cancer, it can be treated if caught early. The human papillomavirus is passed during sexual intercourse and is the primary cause of cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer Statistics

• According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2005, 11,999 women in the United States were diagnosed with cervical cancer and 3,924 died from the disease. According to the National Cancer Institute, the median age for diagnosis of cancer of the cervix was 48 years. Based on the rates from 2004 to 2006, it is projected that 1 in 145 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer during her lifetime.

What Is the HPV Vaccination?

• The cervical cancer vaccination was approved by the FDA in June 2006. This is the first vaccination approved by the FDA designed to prevent any type of cancer. Although there are numerous strains of the HPV that causes cervical cancer, the vaccine blocks two types with the purpose of stopping the growth of cells. The vaccine also blocks cervical cancer associated with genital warts and some Pap test abnormalities.

Who Needs the HPV Vaccination?

• Physicians often recommend that the vaccine be used for girls ages 11 to 12, but may be used as early as 9 years of age. It is meant to be given prior to a girl becoming sexually active and gives the body an opportunity to have an active immune system and high antibody levels, which will offer protection. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that a catch-up vaccine be provided to girls from ages 13 to 26 who have not been given it previously.

HPV Vaccine Frequency

• This is not a one-time vaccination but is instead given as a set of three injections over a 6-month period, with the second dose being administered at 2 months and the third administered at 6 months. All three vaccinations need to be administered for the HPV vaccine to be effective.

Side Effects and Allergic Reactions to the HPV Vaccine

• According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the cervical cancer vaccine shows symptoms like other immunizations, including pain at the injection site in 8 out of 10 people, low fever in about 1 out of 10, moderate fever in about 1 out of 65, symptoms of the flu and dizziness. Allergic reactions can occur and should be reported to a physician immediately. These include anaphylactic shock and neurological deficits such as paralysis, weakness, and brain swelling. Allergic reactions normally occur within the first few hours after having received the injection and include difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives and an increase in heart rate. Some physicians will monitor the patient for approximately 15 minutes to monitor the risk of an allergic reaction. In the case of an allergic reaction, get the patient to a doctor right away and include the date, time and type of vaccination.

Misconceptions

• Even though the cervical cancer vaccine is meant to protect women from cancer, girls and women who have had the vaccine or will have it should still have annual physical exams, including a Pap test. This is an important part of preventative health care for cancer and for other health issues.