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Vaccine Preventable Disease Control
County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program
3530 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 700
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Phone: (213) 351-7800
Email: ip@ph.lacounty.gov
Most people infected with HPV will not have symptoms until the infection has already caused health problems.
HPV infections go away by themselves, but types of HPV infections persist longer and cause complications including warts and cancer. These infections can cause cancer of the:
It's important to have regular check-ups including a Pap smear and HPV test, to look for abnormal cells before they cause problems.
HPV infections can also cause genital warts. Genital warts are harmless growths on the skin that may appear on the vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, scrotum, or anus. Most genital warts are caused by HPV types 6 and 11 which are included in the vaccine.
If you think you may have been exposed to HPV or are showing signs of HPV infection, talk with your doctor or primary healthcare provider.
HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact or direct contact with an infected object. In pediatrics, warts are usually seen on palms and soles of feet. In adults, the virus can also enter the body though vaginal, oral, and/or anal sex. HPV can spread through direct contact, including touching an object (such as a sex toy) that has already been contaminated with HPV. Pregnant people with genital HPV disease can spread the virus to their babies while giving birth. An infected person can spread HPV even if they do not have visible symptoms.
Condoms used consistently and correctly can lower the chances of acquiring and transmitting HPV and developing HPV-related diseases (e.g., genital warts or cervical cancer). However, because HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom, condoms might not fully protect against HPV.
Limiting the number of sex partners can also reduce the risk for HPV. However, even persons with only one lifetime sex partner can get HPV.
HPV vaccination is the most effective way to prevent severe infection and HPV-related cancers.HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, meaning nearly all unvaccinated persons who are sexually active will get infected with HPV at some point in their life. Vaccination has also been proven to help prevent over 90% of cancers linked to HPV.
Gardasil-9 is the HPV vaccine distributed in the US. This vaccine protects against 9 types of HPV, including the ones that cause most HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends routine HPV vaccination for all adolescents starting between age 9 and 12 years with two doses of Gardasil-9 6 to 12 months apart. Early protection is key and vaccinating preteens ensures that they will be protected from HPV before being exposed to the virus. Getting vaccinated at a young age also results in a stronger immune response.
HPV vaccination prevents more than 90% of HPV – related cancers. Nationally representative data shows that rates of HPV infections that cause cancer or genital warts have dropped by 88% among teen girls and 81% among young adult women.
You should NOT get the HPV vaccine if you:
If you have insurance:
If you are uninsured or underinsured:
Locating Vaccine Clinics:
If you are unsure of your HPV vaccination status, you can request a copy of your records.
To request your record:
If your vaccines are not listed, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or vaccine provider for a copy of your vaccine records. You can also ask them to add your vaccines to the California Immunization Registry (CAIR).
Other tips to find your records:
HPV can infect various body sites and cause different disease based on HPV type and exposure. Some HPV types cause cutaneous infection (e.g. plantar warts) and some types tend to infect the anogenital epithelium causing genital warts (HPV 6 and 11) or squamous intraepithelial lesions/cancers (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, 73, and 82)
Worldwide, cervical cancer is the 4th most common cause of cancer in women. In the United States, women have more access to regular screening, early detection, and treatment, but over 30,000 women are diagnosed with HPV related cancers each year. Other types of cancers prevented by HPV vaccine include:
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting the HPV vaccine series with Gardasil 9® between ages 9 and 12 years. HPV vaccination provides the most benefit when given before a person is exposed to HPV.
The 2-dose vaccine series can be administered to children as early as 9 years of age. Immunogenicity studies have shown that two doses of HPV vaccine, given to 9–14-year-olds at least 6 months apart, provide as good as or better protection than three doses given to older adolescents or young adults.
A 3-dose series is recommended for people who get the first dose on or after their 15th birthday and for those with certain immunocompromising conditions, such as HIV, cancer, transplantation, autoimmune disease, or use of immunosuppressant medications.
The HPV vaccine is highly effective. More than 98% of recipients develop protective antibodies to prevent HPV types included in the vaccines 1 month after completing the vaccine series.
Clinicians may consider discussing HPV vaccination with adults ages 27-45 years who are most likely to benefit from receiving the vaccine. See American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommendations.
HPV vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Vaccination should be delayed until after the pregnancy. Pregnant persons who received the HPV vaccine can contact the manufacturer at 877-888-4231.
Proper vaccine storage and handling practices play an important role. For general recommendations and guidance access the Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit.
Click here for more information on reporting a Vaccine Adverse Event.
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