Erie currently requires everyone age 2 and up to wear a mask in our health centers.

Get Vaccinated Against HPV

Known as human papillomavirus, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus among both men and women. It infects more than 14 million people each year.
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The HPV vaccine is a preventative method – NOT  a treatment or cure. However, getting the vaccine may prevent 90% of its related cancers.

HPV Vaccine FAQs

What is HPV?
  • HPV, also known as human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted virus.
  • It is spread by people with or without symptoms through skin-to-skin contact such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
  • It mainly affects young adults and infects more than 14 million people each year.
What are the risks of HPV?
  • Over 80% of people who are sexually active will have HPV at some point in their lives.
  • People can acquire different strains of HPV over time. As life and your relationships change, if you’re unvaccinated, you can still acquire the cancer associated strains later in life.
  • At any age, having a new sexual partner puts one at risk for developing a new HPV infection. 
  • There are over 200 types of HPV, of which, more than 12 types can result in cancer.
  • High-risk HPV can infect normal cells causing them to become abnormal and precancerous which could develop into cancer if not addressed.
  • HPV can cause several types of cancers affecting the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, mouth and throat. 
  • There are greater than 36,000 cases of cancer caused by HPV every year in the United States.
How can I prevent an HPV infection?
  • Condoms decrease the spread of HPV, but are not 100% effective against HPV.
  • The HPV vaccination NOT a treatment or cure.
  • Vaccination against HPV can help prevent 90% of its related cancers.
  • Gardasil-9 is the only HPV vaccination offered in the United States.
    • You will need 2-3 doses depending on your age.
  • People 9-45 can get the vaccine if they are unvaccinated or did not finish the HPV vaccine series.
  • The HPV vaccination is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • Over 15 years of monitoring and research has proven the HPV vaccination to be effective and safe.
Am I eligible for the vaccine?
  • If you are between the ages of 9-45 years old and are unvaccinated or did not complete the HPV vaccine series, speak with your healthcare professional about receiving the HPV vaccine.

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