HPV Vaccine Specialist in Austell, GA

The HPV vaccine has been developed to reduce the risk that women face in contracting the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is known for causing a variety of cancers including most cervical cancers, cancers of the vagina, vulva, anus, and the back of the throat. There are also several types of HPV that cause genital warts, against which the HPV vaccine also protects. Genital HPV is most commonly passed through skin-to-skin contact, most frequently through sexual intercourse, with most of those who are sexually active contracting HPV at some point in their lives, although most people will never develop symptoms so they will not know. Receiving the vaccine can significantly reduce the chances of contracting an HPV infection, lowering the risk of developing cancer that is caused by HPV, but also minimizes the spread of the virus.

The HPV vaccine is typically recommended for girls who are 11 or 12 years of age with two doses of the vaccine to sufficiently protect against the specific types of cancers that are caused by HPV. While both boys and girls would benefit from the vaccine to protect all individuals aged 9 to 45 years of age against diseases that are caused by HPV, the vaccine was only recommended for girls until more recently. This means that it remains far more common for girls to be recommended by their family doctor to receive the vaccination than it is for boys to receive the same recommendation.

The recommended age for receiving the HPV vaccine is 11 or 12 years old as that is when it will be the most effective, but it is possible for girls who are as young as 9 years old to receive the vaccination if deemed beneficial. Young adults are still recommended to receive the vaccine up until they are 26 years old if they have not yet completed the vaccination series or were not yet vaccinated. The point of receiving the vaccination while younger is to receive the vaccine before becoming sexually active and thus before risking exposure to HPV. However, girls and young women who have become sexually active are still recommended to receive the vaccination as the chances are still slim that they have yet become exposed to HPV, meaning they will still likely benefit from receiving the vaccination at that point though they may get less benefit than had they received the vaccination before becoming sexually active. Both men and women who have not received the vaccine are still able to receive it until they are 45 years old as they may still benefit from the protection.

Absolutely, women who have received the HPV vaccine still need to regularly receive Pap tests since the vaccine is not able to protect against all types of HPV and thus will not prevent all types of cervical cancer. Pap tests are used by health care providers to look for abnormal cells that can lead to cancer (as well as check for other types of infection), so since there remains a risk for cervical cancer even if you have received the HPV vaccine, it is still highly recommended that all women continue to receive regular Pap tests and pelvic exams for early cancer detection.

If you are located in or around Austell, GA, and are looking to receive the HPV vaccination, consider visiting Cobb Women’s Health to receive the vaccination as well as all other essential women’s health care from a caring, highly qualified team of medical professionals. Our providers will ensure that all patients who were assigned female at birth have access to vital preventative healthcare measures and receive proper care to protect their reproductive health long-term. We serve patients from Austell GA, Lithia Springs GA, Mableton GA, Powder Springs GA, Douglasville GA, Fair Oaks GA, Hiram GA, Clarkdale GA, Smyrna GA, Marietta GA and nearby areas!