Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding HPV & Cervical Cancer
What is HPV? The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is an extremely common infection. HPV can cause six types of cancer and 99% of cervical cancer cases are linked to HPV infections. Most people will get an HPV infection during their lifetime.
What is cervical cancer? Cervical cancer is a serious disease that affects the opening of the womb in women. In kenya, 9 women die everyday from cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV. The cancer can develop after many years of being infected by the HPV virus and often does not show any symptoms until the cancer is in its advanced state.
How does someone get HPV? ​​ HPV is a sexually transmitted disease which means it is contracted during sexual intercourse. While your girl may not be sexually active at the moment, the HPV vaccine is about cancer prevention, and it worked best when given at a younger age for stronger immune response and much before the girl is sexually active.
If someone gets cervical cancer, is it treatable? Cervical cancer can be treated, especially when caught early. But because the infection that causes it—HPV—often shows no symptoms for years, regular screening is the only way to detect it in time. That’s why prevention through the HPV vaccine is safer and more effective than relying on treatment later.
Why Vaccinate &
When to Vaccinate
Why is the HPV vaccine given to girls aged 10–14? The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before a girl is exposed to the virus, usually before the start of sexual activity. In many countries, it is offered to girls as young as 9 years old. In Kenya, the Ministry of Health provides the HPV vaccine free of charge to girls aged 10 to 14 through public health facilities.
Why give the HPV vaccine at a young age if cervical cancer develops much later? The HPV vaccine is about preventing cancer before it starts. It works best when given at a younger age, before any exposure to the virus. Vaccinating early also produces a stronger immune response, offering better protection in the long term.
Why isn’t the HPV vaccine recommended for boys? Girls are at high risk of developing cervical cancer because they have a cervix. The vaccine does not harm boys; however, boys are not vaccinated now because the vaccines are available in limited quantities and are being used to protect girls who are at higher risk of cervical cancer later in life
Can girls aged 15 to 19 still get vaccinated? Girls older than 14 can be vaccinated. However, the MoH program due to limited vaccine availability is mostly for girls between the ages of 10-14.
Can a girl younger than 10 get the HPV vaccine? In many countries, the HPV vaccine is offered to girls as young as 9 years old. In Kenya, the Ministry of Health has identified girls aged 10 to 14 as eligible for free HPV vaccination at public health facilities.
What if my daughter doesn’t get the vaccine now—can she get it later? The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before a girl is exposed to the virus, usually before the start of sexual activity. In many countries, it is offered to girls as young as 9 years old. In Kenya, the Ministry of Health provides the HPV vaccine free of charge to girls aged 10 to 14 through public health facilities. The HPV vaccine is about preventing cancer before it starts. It works best when given at a younger age, before any exposure to the virus. Vaccinating early also produces a stronger immune response, offering better protection in the long term.
Why is the HPV vaccine given up to age 14 in Kenya but up to 18 or older elsewhere? The vaccine is most effective when given to girls before they are exposed to the HPV virus and when they are young. The vaccine works best when given at a younger age for a stronger immune response. Different countries give vaccines for different age groups. In Kenya, the Ministry of Health has identified 10-14 year old girls to be vaccinated. Girls older than 14 can be vaccinated. However, the MoH program due to limited vaccine availability is mostly for girls between the ages of 10-14.
Where can we get the vaccine administered? You can get the vaccine administered at public health facilities free of charge for girls aged 10-14 years.
Vaccine Safety &
Side Effects
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Has the HPV vaccine been tested enough? Yes. The HPV vaccine is tested, safe and effective in preventing cervical cancer. Like all other vaccines used in Kenya, the HPV vaccine has been approved by the Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board. The HPV vaccine is not new, it has been widely used in countries like the U.S., Canada, and Japan since 2006, with over 200 million doses administered worldwide.
How safe is the HPV vaccine? Yes. The HPV vaccine is tested, safe and effective in preventing cervical cancer. Like all other vaccines used in Kenya, the HPV vaccine has been approved by the Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board. The HPV vaccine is not new, it has been widely used in countries like the U.S., Canada, and Japan since 2006, with over 200 million doses administered worldwide.
What are the possible side effects of the HPV vaccine? All vaccines have potential side effects just like the minimal side effects babies get when they take their vaccines as infants. The reactions caused by the HPV vaccine have mostly been mild. Common minor side effects are redness, pain and swelling at the site of injection. If you feel like your girl is showing any symptoms beyond these, take her to the nearest facility.
Does the HPV vaccine affect fertility? Research has shown that the HPV vaccine does not cause fertility problems in girls. In fact, the HPV vaccine protects one’s ability to have children by protecting the girls from cervical cancer that could be caused by an HPV infection. The HPV vaccine has no effect on a girl’s menstrual cycle either. The HPV vaccine is a safe way to protect a young girl’s health and her ability to have healthy babies in the future.
Is the vaccine painful for the child? The vaccine is given in the form of an injection. It is similar to those given to your girl when she was an infant. It is a lot less painful than one imagines. It is important to prevent cancer before it starts. The vaccine works best when given at a younger age, before any exposure to the virus. Vaccinating early also produces a stronger immune response, offering better protection in the long term.
Are there any long-term effects of the HPV vaccine on the body? The vaccine has been used around the world for the last 20 years. Over 15 years of monitoring confirms that the HPV vaccines are safe and effective. The HPV vaccine is over 90% effective in preventing the types of HPV infections that cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases.
Does the vaccine stay in the body for a long time? No, the HPV vaccine itself does not stay in the body for a long time, but the protection it provides does. Studies show that the vaccine offers strong and lasting protection for at least 10–15 years, with no signs of it wearing off.
Can the HPV vaccine affect children living with disabilities? The HPV vaccine is safe and effective for most children, including those living with disabilities. It works the same way in the body, helping build protection against certain types of HPV that can lead to cancer. However, if a child has a specific medical condition, allergy, or immune-related disorder, it’s important to discuss this with a doctor or nurse before vaccination. In rare cases, such conditions may require special consideration or monitoring. It’s always best to ask questions and share any health concerns with the healthcare provider at the vaccination facility. They can help assess whether the vaccine is appropriate and safe for your child.
Does the HPV vaccine affect the menstrual cycle? The vaccine has no effect on a girl’s menses or menstrual cycle.
What happens to children whose parents refuse the HPV vaccine? Children who are not vaccinated remain at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer later in life. HPV is a common virus that can stay in the body for years without symptoms and may lead to cancer in adulthood. The HPV vaccine is a proven way to prevent this. It is most effective when given at a young age, before exposure to the virus. In Kenya, the Ministry of Health offers the vaccine free of charge to girls aged 10 to 14 at public health facilities. Choosing not to vaccinate means missing a critical opportunity to protect against a deadly but preventable cancer.
Vaccine Safety &
Side Effects
Does the HPV vaccine actually work? HPV vaccine is over 90% effective in preventing the types of HPV infections that can cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases. The vaccine is most effective if administered to girls before exposure to HPV.
Does the vaccine only protect against cervical cancer or other cancers as well? The HPV vaccine protects against more than just cervical cancer. It helps prevent several types of cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), including: • Cervical cancer • Vaginal and vulvar cancers (in females) • Penile cancer (in males) • Anal cancer (in both sexes) • Throat and mouth cancers (also called oropharyngeal cancers) By preventing infection with high-risk types of HPV, the vaccine offers protection against a range of HPV-related cancers that can appear much later in life. This makes it a powerful tool for long-term cancer prevention for both girls and boys.
Can the HPV vaccine cure cancer if someone already has it? No, the HPV vaccine cannot cure cancer if someone already has it. The vaccine is designed to prevent HPV infections that can lead to cancer. It does not treat existing infections or cancer.
Can a girl who already has HPV still get the vaccine? Yes - the vaccine is provided to all eligible girls at no cost in all public health facilities and outreach posts. However, the vaccine is most effective if administered to girls before exposure to HPV.
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I’ve heard the vaccine causes cancer—is that true? No, that is not true. The HPV vaccine does not cause cancer—in fact, it helps prevent cancers caused by the human papillomavirus, such as cervical, anal, and throat cancers.
I’ve heard the vaccine makes girls mature early (early periods). Is that true? No, that is not true. There is no evidence that the HPV vaccine causes early puberty or early periods. Girls may naturally start their periods around the same age they receive the vaccine (10–14 years), which can lead to confusion. However, scientific studies have shown no link between the HPV vaccine and changes in puberty, menstrual cycles, or hormone levels. The vaccine is simply designed to protect against HPV infections and has no effect on growth or reproductive development.
I’ve heard the vaccine will stop girls from having children in the future (affect fertility/family planning). Is that true? Research has shown that the HPV vaccine does not cause fertility problems in girls. In fact, the HPV vaccine protects one’s ability to have children by protecting the girls from cervical cancer that could be caused by an HPV infection. The HPV vaccine has no effect on a girl’s menstrual cycle either. The HPV vaccine is a safe way to protect a young girl’s health and her ability to have healthy babies in the future.