Use the information on this page to learn about the HPV vaccine, get more resources or to schedule an appointment at Cornell Health if you are a Cornell Student

Simple Facts about the HPV Vaccine from VaCS

1. What is the HPV vaccine?
   • The HPV vaccine, called Guardasil 9, protects against the 9 most dangerous strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to various cancers and genital warts. 
2. What should I know about HPV?
   • HPV is a virus which can lead to various cancers and anogenital warts.
   • The virus is spread through intimate skin-to-skin or sexual contact, and are so common that virtually everyone will get some type of HPV infection in their lifetime. Typically, HPV infections resolve themselves within 2 years, but they can sometimes last longer and cause cancer later in life.
3. How does HPV vaccination prevent cancer?
   • Getting vaccinated for HPV can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV, including:
     • cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in people with female reproductive organs
     • penile cancer in people with male reproductive organs
     • anal cancers in all people
     • cancers of tonsils, base of tongue, and back of throat (oropharyngeal cancer) in all people
4. Who should get the HPV vaccine?
   • The vaccine is recommended for individuals of all sexes/genders typically between the ages of 9 and 26. If you are above the age of 26, first consult with your primary care physician. If you are pregnant, it is advised to wait until after pregnancy to receive the vaccine.
5. How many doses of the HPV vaccine are needed?
   • If you are above the age of 15, three doses are recommended to ensure maximum effectiveness.
   • If you are below the age of 15, two doses are recommended.
   • Doses should be given 6-12 months apart from each other in both cases.
6. Is the HPV vaccine safe?
   • Yes, extensive research and monitoring have shown that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective at preventing HPV-related diseases.
   • The Guardasil HPV vaccine has been administered since 2006.
7. What are the common side effects of the HPV vaccine?
   • The most common side effects are mild and include pain at the injection site, redness, swelling, and sometimes a low-grade fever.
8. Can someone who has already had HPV or is already sexually active get the vaccine?
   • Yes, the vaccine offers protection against multiple types of HPV, so even if you were exposed to HPV at one point, the vaccine can still offer protection against other strains of HPV that you may not have been exposed to yet.
9. How long does the HPV vaccine last?
   • Studies have shown that the vaccine provides long-lasting protection (10+ years).
   • A booster shot may be needed to ensure maximum effectiveness.
10. Where can I get the HPV vaccine?
    • Cornell Health at Ho Plaza on Saturday, November 2nd 2024! More clinic info here.
    • The vaccine is available at most healthcare provider offices, clinics, and pharmacies.

Trusted Resources to learn more about the HPV Vaccine

Here are some links to handy resources so you can educate yourself about the HPV vaccine

• Cornell Health provides info about upcoming clinics and basic HPV facts
• The CDC describes HPV vaccine safety at this page
• Cancer.gov describes more about the link between cancer and HPV
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has global resources and info about HPV
• The Mayo Clinic website is a great place to learn more about the HPV vaccine

How to schedule a vaccine appointment at Cornell Health

First, Log into Cornell Health at  mycornellhealth.health.cornell.edu Then click on the Check-in or Schedule an Appointment box
Click the Schedule an Appointment box
Select your Cornell affiliation
Choose the “I need to get an immunization …” option
Choose the “I need an immunization or vaccination” option
Choose the HPV vaccine
Enter your callback number
Click the Search for Appointments bar
Choose an immunization clinic time
Confirm and finish scheduling!