HPVs are called papilloma viruses because some of the HPV types cause warts, or papillomas, which are non-cancerous tumors

HPVs are a group of over 100 related viruses. Each HPV virus in the group is given a number, which is called an HPV type.

Genital HPV is transmitted mainly by direct sexual contact. Most of the time HPV has no symptoms, so people do not know that they have it.

The Human Papilloma vaccine is Quadrivalent Human Papilloma virus (Types 6, 11, 16, 18) Recombinant Vaccine which protects females against Human Papilloma Virus infection which is a causative agent of cancer cervix

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends girls aged 11-12 years to be immunized routinely with 3 intramuscular doses I.M. administered at 0, 2 and 6 months apart (can be given from the age of 9 years after the physician decision)

Also the AAP recommends that all girls and women 13-26 years should receive the quadrivalent HPV

If the vaccine schedule is interrupted the series should not be restarted and subsequent dose should be separated by recommended intervals.

HPV can be given in the following special circumstances:-

• Abnormal Pap smear result (smear done for the cervix as a screening of cancer cervix(
• Breastfeeding
• Patients with immune problems either because of disease or medication (Due to organ transplant)

HPV is not recommended for use in pregnancy

Because HPV protects only against 4 types of the virus so it does not prevent infection with other types which thought to be responsible for 30% of cancer cervix cases, so cervical cancer screening recommendations (i.e., Pap testing) should continue to be followed for patients who have received HPV vaccine.