Entre Familia: A Guide on HPV
What you should know about the HPV vaccine
HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). With over 100 different types, low-risk types are known to cause genital warts while high-risk types can cause cell changes that lead to cancer. HPV is
not the same as herpes or HIV.
This page will inform you on the dangers of HPV and the benefits of the HPV vaccine.
About Our Program
Our program aims at increasing HPV vaccine awareness, initiation, and completion among young adults aged 18 - 26. This initiative falls in line with the updated vaccination recommendations established by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that designated those aged 18 - 26 as the catchup age for the vaccine.
How does HPV spread?
HPV spreads through skin-to-skin or mouth-to-skin contact with the penis, scrotum, vagina, vulva (the area outside the vagina) or anus of an infected person. Most infected people do not have any visible symptoms and may pass it to their partners without knowing.
HPV myths
The HPV vaccine is not safe.
The HPV vaccine is safe and does not cause serious health issues. Common side effects include mild pain or redness at the injection site, low-grade fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, and muscle or joint pain, all of which are temporary. Rarely, an allergic reaction may occur, so individuals with known allergies to vaccine components should avoid it.
​
The HPV vaccine underwent over a decade of research before use in humans and is rigorously monitored by the FDA, ensuring it meets the highest safety standards.
What are the signs and is it serious?
No Signs
​
Most people with HPV have no symptoms or issues and often don't know they have it; it's unpredictable who will experience symptoms.
There is no cure for HPV once a person is infected. There are treatments for warts and cell changes caused by the virus, but these do not cure it.
​
Some types of HPV are more serious than others.
HPV Vaccine Dosing Schedule
Number of recommended doses: 2
Recommended doses schedule: 0, 6-12 months
Note: In a two-dose schedule of HPV vaccine, the minimum interval is 5 months between the first and second dose.
NOTE: If you have any problem with your immune system, you will need to receive 3 doses of the HPV vaccine for full protection against the virus.
Final Notes
HPV is a very common virus that can lead to: ​​
Genital warts, cancers of the cervix, vagina, or vulva, cancer of the penis, cancer of the anus, and cancers of the back of the throat (including the base of the tongue and tonsils).
Find all this information and more by clicking the boxes below!
Our Partners
Our program is a collaboration between the University of Houston - Downtown, the University of Texas Health Science at San Antonio, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and the University of Texas at Austin. We partner with rural Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) throughout South Texas (Community Health Centers of South Central Texas) and the outer Houston area (Community Health Networks).
