FAQs
WHAT IS HPV?
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a virus that infects the soft tissues of the body. There are over 200 types of HPV and some types of HPV can lead to cancer. HPV 16 & 18 are the most common high-risk HPV types that may lead to cervical cancer.
WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?
Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens into the upper part of the vagina. Cervical cancer is the leading cause of new cancer cases among women in Kenya. HPV causes cervical cancer. However, the majority of women who have an HPV infection will not develop cancer.
HOW COMMON ARE HPV INFECTIONS?
HPV infections are so common that most adults will become infected in their lifetime. In Kenya, 80% of women and 70% of men become infected with HPV.
HOW DO YOU GET AN HPV INFECTION?
HPV infections are primarily spread through sexual contact. Most people do not know they have an HPV infection and can spread HPV to others. Someone can even spread HPV infection to others years after they were initially infected.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU GET AN HPV INFECTION?
The vast majority of people who are infected with HPV never know they are infected and their body can even clear the infection. However, for some people the infection never clears and leads to cancers. Cervical cancer is the type of cancer most often caused by HPV infection. HPV can also cause cancer of the vulva, penis and throat.
WHAT IS THE HPV VACCINE?
The HPV vaccine is a vaccination that prevents infection from HPV, and therefore cervical cancer. There are multiple HPV vaccines available today and each one prevents infection from specific types of HPV. All HPV vaccines prevent infection from the most common cervical cancer-causing HPV types, 16 & 18.
IS THE HPV VACCINE EFFECTIVE?
Yes. The HPV vaccine prevents almost 100% of HPV vaccine-type infections and disease, and reduces the risk of cervical cancer by over 90%.
IS THE HPV VACCINE SAFE?
Yes. HPV vaccines have an excellent safety record. More than 100 million doses of HPV vaccine have been given over the past 12 years, and the best evidence to date shows no increase in reactions over any other childhood vaccine.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF HPV VACCINATION?
The most common side effect of an HPV vaccination is redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site. Other reactions that can occur include: headache, fever, nausea, fainting (eating prior to vaccination may prevent this), and general discomfort. Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction which can occur with any vaccine or medicine. Around 3 out of 1 million participants experience anaphylaxis from vaccination. Nurses are trained to deal with such a reaction and watch vaccinated participants for 20 minutes after vaccination to ensure safety.
WHY IS A MENINGITIS VACCINE GIVEN IN AN HPV STUDY?
Meningitis is a bacterial infection that affects young people and is prevented by the meningitis vaccine. Both the HPV and meningitis vaccines are recommended for young people. To see if one dose of the HPV vaccine is effective KEN SHE researchers will compare people vaccinated with one dose of the HPV vaccine to people who have not received the HPV vaccine, but have instead received the meningitis vaccine. The meningitis vaccine has an excellent safety record. KEN SHE decided to use the meningitis vaccine so that everyone starts the study with a beneficial vaccine.
CAN MY PARTNER BE VACCINATED BY THE KEN SHE STUDY AS WELL?
No, your partner cannot be vaccinated in The KEN SHE study. However, there are ongoing government plans to vaccinate pre-teen boys and young men.
IS THERE CURRENT EVIDENCE A SINGLE DOSE WILL WORK?
Yes. For more information visit this link: http://www.rho.org/singledosehpv/