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Lois McGuire, R.N., M.S.N., W.H.N.P.
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Lois McGuire, R.N., M.S.N., W.H.N.P.
Lois McGuire, R.N., M.S.N., W.H.N.P.
Lois McGuire was a registered nurse in Obstetrics and Gynecology for 20 years. This experience made attending Planned Parenthood of Minnesota for the Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program a natural step. Later she attended Case Western Reserve University to achieve her Master's in Nursing. She has been employed at Mayo Clinic as a nurse practitioner for 15 years. She works with women from adolescence though all the life cycles. Lois is committed to a holistic nursing approach, empowering women to take care of their health.
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Oct. 7, 2008
HPV vaccine protects against cancer
By Lois McGuire, R.N., M.S.N., W.H.N.P.
A vaccine to protect against cervical cancer and genital warts became available in 2006. The vaccine protects against 4 of the approximately 40 strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV) that affect the genital tract of both men and women.
That doesn't sound like much protection until you understand that the two strains in the vaccine which protect against genital warts are 90 percent of the genital warts we diagnose and the two strains that protect against cervical cancer are 70 percent of diagnosed cervical cancers.
There seems to be a great deal of controversy regarding the HPV vaccine. Let's talk about the facts so you can understand why this is an important vaccine.
- 11,000 cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2007.
- Ten women die every day in the United States from cervical cancer.
- Worldwide, 500,000 cases are diagnosed annually.
- 280,000 women die annually worldwide.
- The vaccine protects against the two HPV viruses that cause 70 percent of the deaths from cervical cancer.
We have less cervical cancer in the United States than other countries because most women have access to cervical cancer screening tests or the Pap smear. In other countries, access to screening is limited if it exists at all. The promise of a prophylactic vaccine can only be realized if the vaccine is provided to all women world wide.
How long does the vaccine protection last? This is one of the controversies being discussed. We don't know. The HPV vaccine has not been around long enough for us to study the end outcome. So far, we know that it is effective for 8 years. We also know that 74 percent of HPV occurs between the ages of 15 and 24. That means if a young woman were immunized before she became sexually active, the vaccine would cover her through most, if not all, of her more vulnerable years. It is possible that a booster may be needed.
What are the potential side effects of the HPV vaccine? This is also a concern for patients. Pain at the injection site is the most common side effect. Eighty percent of patients complain of pain. Some experience local swelling, redness, itching or a fever. Other reported side effects have not been proven to be caused by the shot.
I am often asked if the vaccine contains live virus. No, it does not. It is a viral-like particle. You cannot get HPV from the immunization.
Should the HPV vaccine be given to a patient who has already had an abnormal Pap smear? Yes, because it is unlikely that she was exposed to all 4 virus types that the vaccine protects against. She may still gain some protection from future exposures to the virus.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that the HPV vaccine be routinely administered to girls between ages of 11 and 12, but could start as soon as age 9.
For best effectiveness, it is important to immunize before becoming sexually active. The CDC also advises vaccinating all females between the ages of 13 and 26 whether or not they have been sexually active. The vaccination series consists of 3 injections over 6 months. The second and third doses should be given at two and six months (respectively) after the first dose.
Here are key principles to remember:
- The vaccination will not cause HPV.
- HPV vaccinations are effective in preventing 70 percent of cervical cancers and 90 percent of genital warts.
- Most side effects are minor.
- Continued screening with Pap tests is important.
- Immunization during pregnancy is not recommended.
HPV is very prevalent in our world. By age 50, 80 percent of women have been exposed to HPV. We now have the first vaccine to protect against cancer. I challenge you to consider this immunization for yourself or for those you love.
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