The HPV Vaccine: Now for Adults, Too

by Elizabeth Holzwarth

January 2025

Viruses are everywhere in the world and can lead to a variety of illnesses like the common cold, upset stomachs, and even cancer. One virus in particular, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that almost everyone will encounter in their lifetime. Like the varieties of pizza at a pizza buffet, HPV also come in varieties. Some cause warts on the skin, some cause no illness at all, and others may cause cancer long after first exposure to the virus.

HPV infections don't cause symptoms at the time of active infection. The real danger is seen 10 to 20 years later when the previously infected cells can turn into cancer. In fact, HPV has been found to be a leading cause of mouth, cervical – the cervix is the opening to a woman's womb – and anal cancer. For North Dakotans, public health reports reveal that in 2021, nearly 90 were diagnosed with HPV-related cancers.

Cancer is a scary word but there is a way to gain protection from HPV-linked cancers: a vaccine that helps prevent HPV's cancer-causing actions. The vaccine includes a series of shots and is available at local North Dakota pharmacies and clinics for everyone ages 9 to 45. The first shot can be given starting at ages 9 to 14 followed by the second shot 6 months later. If the first dose is first given between ages 15 all the way to age 45, a 3-shot series is recommended instead of a 2-shot series.

The HPV vaccine has been around for about 20 years and over time has been improved to cover more varieties of HPV. The vaccine's main side effect has been irritation or redness around the area where the shot was given. People who are allergic to yeast should not receive the vaccine and it is not recommended for pregnant women. Also, the vaccine is not a replacement for any regular preventative exams like pap smears and yearly doctor visits.

Overall, research shows that the HPV vaccine is behind almost a 70% decrease in HPV-associated cancers. There is evidence that many North Dakota parents are already aware of the benefits of vaccination since America's Health Rankings reports that around 75% of the state's teens between the ages of 13-17 have received the HPV vaccination. Now that the vaccine is also available for everyone up to age 45, adults also might want to head to the local clinic or pharmacy to take advantage of the best prevention tool available against HPV.

About the Author

Elizabeth Holzwarth is a third-year medical student at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences. She was selected as one of the Jamestown participants for the school's ROME program, or Rural Opportunities in Medical Education. Part of the ROME program teaches student doctors how rural newspapers can be partners for disseminating health information. The information presented here is not intended for diagnosis or treatment and should not be used in place of medical advice provided by a licensed provider.