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HPV vaccine (human papillomavirus)

The HPV vaccine is given as a series of shots to help prevent human papillomavirus and its health consequences. A MinuteClinic® provider can administer the HPV vaccine in most cases for patients who are 9 to 26 years old.

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Questions about HPV and the HPV vaccine? We’ve got answers.

What is HPV?

HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. The virus spreads through sexual contact with someone who has the virus, and it affects many young people in their late teens or early 20s. There are many different types of HPV. Some types can cause genital warts, and others can cause serious health issues, including cancers in the following parts of the body:

  • Anus
  • Cervix
  • Mouth
  • Penis
  • Throat
  • Vagina
  • Vulva

What is the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine may help to protect you against some types of HPV that lead to genital warts (small growths on the skin in the genital area) or certain types of cancer. The HPV shot offers protection against HPV types 16 and 18, which are the two types that cause approximately 80% of all cervical cancer cases, and against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause approximately 90% of all genital warts.

Getting help

A MinuteClinic provider can talk to you about the benefits and risks of the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine and administer it if appropriate.

  1. You may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.
  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.


    If you made your appointment online:

    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:

    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care appointment:
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

HPV vaccine eligibility

  • Routine HPV vaccination is recommended at 11 through 12 years old. However, it may be given beginning at 9 years. For those who are 13 to 26 years old and who’ve not been previously vaccinated or who’ve not completed this series, catch-up vaccination is recommended.
  • A two-dose series is available for patients 9 to 14 years Those who start HPV vaccination at 15 years or older should get the vaccine as a three-dose series.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends this vaccine for:
    • Men who have sex with men and who are under 26 years
    • Men with compromised immune systems (including HIV) and who are under 26 years
    • It’s important to prevent serious diseases by getting the HPV vaccine.

The HPV vaccine is one of the more complicated vaccines on the market. Pregnant women should not get the HPV vaccine. MinuteClinic® providers can talk to you about the HPV vaccine and help answer your questions regarding the vaccine to determine if it’s right for you.

HPV treatment

For most patients HPV will go away on its own. Some patients require surgery to remove the parts of the body affected by the virus. In some cases, this surgery can be simple and in other cases it can be extensive and serious. The best solution, when it comes to HPV, is to protect yourself from the virus with the HPV vaccine.

The HPV vaccine has been carefully studied and researched. There have been no serious safety concerns associated with this vaccine. The most common temporary side effects include headache and dizziness. Most people are asked to wait for 15 minutes after their shot before going home to ensure that they are not going to get dizzy or faint.

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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

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