HPV Vaccine: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is an important tool in the prevention of cervical cancer and several other HPV-related diseases. But many people still have questions about the virus, who should receive the vaccine, how effective it is and what side effects may occur.
New Delhi: Cervical cancer continues to be a significant public health concern, with persistent infection from high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) responsible for most cervical cancer cases. In India, an estimated 42,789 women died from cervical cancer in 2025, according to National Cancer Registry Programme data cited in Parliament.
HPV vaccination, regular cervical cancer screening and appropriate treatment of precancerous cell changes can together help reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Here’s what you need to know about HPV infection, vaccination, its benefits, safety and symptoms.
What Is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an extremely common viral infection that can affect people who are sexually active. In many cases, HPV causes no noticeable symptoms, and the body’s immune system clears the infection naturally.
However, some high-risk HPV infections can remain in the body for a long period. Persistent infection can cause abnormal changes in cells, which may eventually develop into cancer if left untreated.
HPV is primarily spread through sexual contact. However, close skin-to-skin contact can also transmit the virus. Because many infections do not cause obvious symptoms, someone can have HPV and pass it to another person without knowing they are infected.
How Is HPV Linked to Cancer?
Certain high-risk HPV types have a strong connection with cervical cancer. The virus is also associated with several other cancers, including those affecting the anus, vagina, vulva and penis, as well as some cancers of the mouth and throat.
When a high-risk HPV infection persists, it can interfere with the normal functioning of infected cells. These cells may begin growing and multiplying abnormally. Over time, such changes can potentially progress to cancer.
This is one of the key reasons HPV vaccination and appropriate screening are important parts of cancer prevention.
What Are the Benefits of the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine helps protect against HPV types responsible for a significant proportion of HPV-related cancers and other diseases.
Vaccination offers the greatest protection when administered before a person is exposed to HPV. The World Health Organisation recommends HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 as an important strategy for preventing cervical cancer.
Giving the vaccine at this age is intended to provide protection before potential exposure to the virus.
How Effective Is the HPV Vaccine?
HPV vaccines are highly effective at preventing infection from the HPV types they are designed to target, particularly when vaccination takes place before exposure to the virus.
Some vaccines specifically protect against HPV-16 and HPV-18, two types responsible for a substantial proportion of cervical cancer cases. Other HPV vaccines also provide protection against HPV-6 and HPV-11, which are major causes of genital warts.
However, vaccination does not replace cervical cancer screening. Even vaccinated individuals should follow screening recommendations appropriate for their age and circumstances.
Is the HPV Vaccine Safe?
HPV vaccines have undergone extensive safety evaluation and have been given to hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
As with other vaccines, some people may experience temporary side effects after receiving an HPV vaccine. These reactions are generally mild and may include:
- Pain at the injection site
- Redness or swelling
- Fever
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Muscle or joint pain
Serious reactions are rare. Anyone experiencing an unusual or severe reaction after vaccination should seek medical advice.
What Are the Symptoms of HPV?
One of the challenges with HPV infection is that most infections do not produce visible symptoms.
Certain HPV types can cause genital warts, but the high-risk types associated with cancer generally do not cause obvious external signs. A person therefore cannot determine whether they have HPV simply by looking for symptoms.
Because HPV can remain unnoticed, appropriate vaccination and recommended screening are important tools for reducing the health risks associated with persistent infection.
HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer Prevention
HPV vaccination is an important part of a broader approach to preventing cervical cancer. Vaccination can help prevent infections from high-risk HPV types, while screening can identify abnormal cervical changes before they become cancerous.
For the best protection, eligible individuals should discuss HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening with a qualified healthcare professional. The appropriate vaccination schedule and screening plan can vary depending on factors such as age and individual circumstances.
Ultimately, understanding HPV, getting vaccinated when eligible and following recommended screening guidelines can help reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases and cervical cancer.