HPV Vaccine Q&A

September 16, 2017

Maybe your doctor or your child’s pediatrician has recommended the HPV vaccine (also known by its brand names, Gardasil and Cervarix) and you’re wondering if it’s necessary. Or maybe you’ve heard some people say they’re opting out of it and you’re wondering why.


If you’re weighing whether or not you or your child should get the HPV vaccine, we want to help you make an informed decision. So here are some common questions and answers about HPV and the vaccine.


What is HPV?

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. HPV is a common virus that passes from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. There are more than 150 strains of HPV  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about one in four people in the United States are currently infected with HPV. About 14 million people, including teenagers, become infected each year. HPV infections are most common among people in their late teens and early twenties.


How dangerous is HPV?

Most people with HPV never develop symptoms and don’t even realize they have it. The CDC estimates that 9 out of 10 cases of infection go away within two years without any complications or treatment. (https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/questions-answers.html)


Sometimes, though, HPV can cause cancer – cervical cancer and other cancers that aren’t very common, like cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and throat. Every year, HPV causes cancer in about 30,700 people.


How effective is the HPV vaccine?

The CDC states that the HPV vaccine is “highly effective” (close to 100%) in preventing the types of HPV targeted by the vaccine. The types of HPV that the vaccine targets are the types most likely to cause cancer and genital warts. Since 2006, when the doctors began recommending the vaccine, HPV infections among teenage girls have decreased by 64%.


If people have already been sexually active and exposed to HPV, the vaccine is less likely to protect them because the vaccine doesn’t treat existing infections or associated diseases.


The HPV vaccine doesn’t protect against every type of HPV, so the vaccine won’t prevent all cases of cervical cancer. Gardasil targets four types of HPV and Cervarix targets two types.


How long does the HPVvaccine last?

Current studies have followed people for ten years, and there doesn’t seem to be any evidence that the protection has weakened over those ten years.


How safe is this vaccine?

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved the vaccine, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has recommended it. The FDA approved Gardasil in 2006 and Cervarix in 2009.


What are the possible side effects?

Common side effects from the vaccine are pain, redness or swelling in the arm where the vaccine was given, fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, and muscle or joint pain. Brief fainting spells are also listed as a potential side effect.


In rare cases, someone will have a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. If you’re allergic to other vaccines, talk with your doctor about whether you’re more likely to be allergic to this one.


Why are some people choosing not to get this vaccine?

Some parents are concerned with the safety of this vaccine. Though the FDA has approved it and the CDC recommends it, some parents worry that it’s relatively new and want to wait until it’s been used for a longer time to make sure there aren’t any long-term side effects. The Department of Health and Human Services’ National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program has recorded 123 cases in which a person injured by the HPV vaccine was awarded money.


Between the time the vaccine was recommended in 2006 and March of 2014, about 67 million doses of HPV were given and about 25,063 complaints about the vaccine were reported to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS). Some of these complaints (about 92%) were for relatively minor issues, like fainting. But some of the complaints were for blood clotting and neurological disorders. The CDC maintains that the HPV vaccine is as safe as the meningitis and Tdap vaccines, which are routinely given.

Will the HPV vaccine prevent all cases of cervical cancer or genital warts?


No. Though the success rate is very high for the types of HPV the vaccines target, the vaccines do not target all the types of HPV that can cause cancer or genital warts.


The only way to 100% prevent HPV is to abstain from sexual activity or to be in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone who does not have HPV (you only ever have any type of sexual activity with each other).



Have other questions? We totally understand this isn’t a black and white decision. There are many aspects to consider so we encourage you to weigh your individual risks and benefits regarding this vaccine. Have conversations with other people who are in a similar situation as you. It always helps to see other perspectives.

July 2, 2025
If you’re in your second trimester (between 13 and 26 weeks of pregnancy), you might be asking, What now? Maybe you just found out you’re pregnant, or maybe this stage of pregnancy is bringing new questions or emotions. No matter where you are in your journey, Collage is here to offer support, information, and a safe place to talk through your options. Understanding Abortion Laws in Nebraska In Nebraska, abortion is not permitted after 12 weeks gestation, with limited exceptions. If you’re considering abortion and believe you may be near or past this point, it’s important to have an ultrasound to confirm how far along you are. If you’re unsure how far along you are, Collage offers no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to provide the medical information you need to understand your next steps. Exploring Your Other Pregnancy Options If abortion is not an option or you’re unsure what’s next, you still have choices. We can talk with you more about each of them. Parenting Parenting might feel like something you’re not ready for or even impossible right now. But with the right support, it may be more achievable than you think. You don’t have to have all the answers today. At Collage, we can connect you with local resources, parenting classes, and support systems that can help you prepare, step by step. You won’t be alone. Adoption If parenting doesn’t seem like the right fit for your current season, adoption is another option that gives you the ability to make a thoughtful plan for your child. Today’s adoption process puts you in control of key decisions, including:  Choosing the adoptive family Deciding how much (if any) communication you’d like to have Creating a plan that reflects your goals and values We offer adoption referrals and a confidential space to explore what this might look like for you—no pressure, just information and support. You’re Not Alone Navigating pregnancy in the second trimester can feel heavy, but you don’t have to walk through it by yourself. At Collage, you’ll find compassionate care, medical services, and honest answers to your questions. Schedule your no-cost appointment today. We’re here to listen and support through this process.
June 4, 2025
An unexpected pregnancy can leave you with more questions than answers. Especially when friends are urging you to choose abortion, you may be more confused than ever. While their advice might come from care or fear, it’s essential to remember this is your pregnancy, future, and choice. At Collage, we’re here to help you navigate this pressure and find a path that feels right for you so that you can feel informed and confident about your decision. Reach out to us today for no-cost support. Listen to Your Instincts Your friends might be an important part of your life, but your instincts matter most. If abortion doesn’t feel right, take a moment to ask: What’s holding me back? Maybe you’re picturing parenting your child or are curious about adoption. It’s also important to keep in mind that abortion is a serious procedure that your friends may not fully grasp the details of. Physical and emotional risks are involved, making it a more complex decision. Your hesitation is a sign to slow down and explore, not to rush into a choice you’re not ready for. Talk It Out If your friends keep pressing, try a gentle conversation. Let them know you understand they’re worried, you’re not sure about abortion yet. Ask what’s driving their advice. Maybe they’re scared about your finances or future. Maybe they’re simply telling you what they’d do in your situation, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Understanding their side can ease tension without giving in. If they won’t respect your space, set boundaries and let them know you need time to think. You don’t owe them an immediate answer. Find Your Support Surround yourself with people who’ll lift you up, not pull you down. Write down your thoughts or talk to someone neutral. You can find a counselor or even online spaces where you can share your heart with those who won’t push one option over another. Even a trusted family member, a mentor, or a place like Collage can offer perspective without strings. You deserve to make this decision with clear facts and a steady heart, not under pressure. Help is Available If your friends are pushing abortion but you’re not ready, Collage is here with no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and pregnancy options education to help you decide what’s next. Our trained team offers confidential support to explore parenting, adoption, or abortion without pressure. Contact us for a no-cost appointment today. You deserve to choose your own path.
May 21, 2025
An unexpected pregnancy can flip your world upside down, and the urge to keep it under wraps might hit hard. Maybe you’re thinking abortion could erase the situation quietly.
Show More