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HPV Vaccine

HPV Vaccine services offered in Burlington, MA

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents infection with this widespread sexually transmitted disease (STD), reducing the risk of cervical cancer in later life. Burlington OBGYN Associates Inc. in Burlington, Massachusetts, offers HPV vaccines to children from age nine and adults under 45 who would benefit from immunization. Call Burlington OBGYN Associates Inc. to arrange an HPV vaccination or schedule a consultation online today.

HPV Vaccine Q & A

What is the HPV vaccine?

HPV infection causes most cervical cancers. This common STD is widespread, and many people who have it are unaware they’re infected.

The HPV vaccine Burlington OBGYN Associates Inc. offers significantly lowers your risk of developing cervical cancer by preventing you from contracting the infection. It also protects against other HPV-related diseases, including:

  • Vaginal cancer
  • Vulvar cancer
  • Genital warts
  • Anal cancers
  • Mouth and throat cancers
  • Head and neck cancers

The HPV vaccine prevents most cervical cancers if girls and women receive it before exposure to the virus. Vaccinating boys against HPV also helps because it decreases transmission rates.

When should I have an HPV vaccination?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all girls and boys between 11 and 12 have the HPV vaccine. It can be given to children from age 9 if necessary. Ideally, children should receive the vaccine before their first sexual contact and exposure to HPV.

HPV vaccine response is typically better in children than adults. Also, the vaccine might not work as well if you’ve already caught HPV. The CDC advises that 11- and 12-year-olds have two HPV vaccine doses at least six months apart. Children aged 9 and 10 and adolescents aged 13 and 14 can also receive their vaccination on a two-dose schedule.

Older teens and young adults between 15 and 26 should get three HPV vaccine doses. The CDC recommends catch-up vaccinations for everyone up to age 26 who hasn’t had the entire course. The FDA has also approved the HPV vaccine for people up to 45. If you’re between 27 and 45, your Burlington OBGYN Associates Inc. provider can advise if you could benefit from HPV vaccination.

The HPV vaccine isn’t suitable for pregnant women or anyone who’s moderately or severely ill. You should tell your gynecologist if you have severe allergies to yeast or latex or have experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of the HPV vaccine.

Is it worth me having the HPV vaccine if I’m sexually active?

Yes — you could still benefit from the HPV vaccine because it protects you from strains of the virus you haven’t had. But no HPV vaccine can treat an existing infection.

Call Burlington OBGYN Associates Inc. to arrange an HPV vaccination or book an appointment online today.