HPV Vaccination - South Dakota Health Department

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Frequently Asked Questions

About HPV and the HPV Vaccine

All Women Count! Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Program
1-899-738-2301 (in South Dakota only)

Immunization Program — 1-800-592-1861 (in South Dakota only)

What is HPV?
HPV stands for human papilloma virus. HPV is a very common virus. It is passed on primarily through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. HPV is not new although we are learning more about it through research.

HPV is not the same as HIV or herpes virus (HSV).
What are the symptoms of HPV?
There are many different types of HPV that can infect the genital area of both men and women. Most HPV types cause no symptoms and go away on their own. However, some types of HPV are known to cause cancer of the cervix in women and less common cancers of the anus, vagina, and vulva . Cervical cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages generally does not cause any symptoms.

When there are symptoms, the most common are:
* Continuous vaginal discharge – may be pale, watery, pink, brown, blood-
streaked, or dark and foul-smelling
* Abnormal vaginal bleeding – especially between periods, after sex or
douching, and after menopause; bleeding gradually becomes heavier and
longer.

Other types of HPV can cause genital warts in both men and women. Most people with HPV do not develop these problems.
What is the purpose of the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is to prevent cervical pre-cancers. The vaccine licensed by the FDA in June 2006 has also been found to be almost 100% effective in preventing pre-cancers of the vulva and vagina, and genital warts that are caused by the targeted types of HPV.
How common is cervical cancer?
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2006, over 9,700 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 3,700 women will die from this cancer in the U. S.

In South Dakota an average of 25 women a year have been diagnosed with cervical cancer over the past five years, while an average of nine women a year have died from this disease.
Who should receive this vaccination?
The vaccine should be administered before the onset of sexual activity. Studies have indicated it is effective for women aged 9-26. Current recommendations suggest beginning vaccinating all females at 11-12 years of age.
What is the cost of the vaccine?
The wholesale price of the vaccine is $120 per dose ($360 for the full series). The retail price is approximately $550 for the series. Some insurance companies may cover the cost of the vaccine and some may not.
Will the Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program cover this vaccination?
Yes. Federal health programs such as Vaccines for Children (VFC) will cover the HPV vaccine. The VFC program provides free vaccines to children and adolescents less than 19 years of age, who are either uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, American Indian, or Alaska Native. For more information, visit the VFC website.
Will most health insurance policies cover it?
It will be the decision of each health insurance company to decide whether it will cover HPV vaccine or not.
Will the HPV vaccine be required for school admission?
There are no plans at this time to require HPV vaccination for school admission or attendance.
Does the vaccination require a booster, if so when?
We are not sure whether a booster will be required. So far, studies have shown that protection will last for five years. More research is being done to find out how long protection lasts and whether a booster will be needed.
If I have already been infected with HPV will the vaccine still help me?
Those who have already been infected with one or more HPV types would still get protection from the vaccine types they have not acquired. Few young women are infected with all four vaccine HPV types (6, 11, 16, and 18).
Do I still need a pap smear if I have had the HPV vaccination series?
Yes. There are two reasons why women will still need regular cervical cancer screening. First, the vaccine will NOT provide protection against all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer, so women will still be at risk for some cancers. Second, some women may not get all required doses of the vaccine (or they may not get them at the right times), so they may not get the vaccine’s full benefits.

Guidelines for cervical cancer screening for vaccinated women are the same as for all women and have not changed.
Does the Department of Health recommend the use of HPV vaccine?
Yes. The Department of Health recommends use of the HPV vaccine according to the ACIP (Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices) guidelines. For more information on HPV vaccine, visit the CDC website.
Does the Department of Health provide the HPV vaccine?
Effective January 2008, the state will provide the HPV vaccine for all 12-year-old females and all 11 through 18-year-olds females who are eligible for the federal Vaccines for Children Program. (The VFC program covers children who are Medicaid eligible, Native American or Alaskan Native, uninsured or underinsured.) For more information see the South Dakota HPV Vaccine Initiative webpage.