What is the HPV vaccine? The HPV vaccine protects you from contracting the human papilloma virus. This virus is the main cause of several types of cancer in women and men, including cervical cancer in women, which is the second most deadly cancer in them, and also genital warts in women and men. This vaccine can prevent up to 70% of HPV-related cancers (cervical cancer, etc.) and up to 90% of genital warts. ### How does a person get infected with this virus? In case of any sexual contact or touching the genitals of a person infected with this virus (skin-to-skin contact), the disease is transmitted, and those who have multiple sexual partners or their sexual partner has multiple sexual partners have a higher chance of getting infected. ### What are the symptoms of this disease? Most people who are infected with this virus do not show any symptoms and in most cases the virus disappears within 1-2 years with the body's natural defenses. But in some people, the virus remains in the body and these people have a higher chance of getting genital warts and cervical cancer. ### What age is suitable for injecting this vaccine? The best age for injection in both sexes is 11 to 12 years, but it is possible to inject the vaccine from the age of 9, and it can be injected until the age of 26 in girls and 21 in boys. It is better to inject this vaccine before starting sexual intercourse. At older ages, it is possible to receive the vaccine, but its effect will be less. Currently, there are three types of vaccines that cover two, four and nine viruses respectively. The vaccine does not cure people who are infected with the virus, but it prevents other types of viruses. As a result, its effect is less in people who have contracted the virus. It should be noted that this vaccine does not prevent other sexually transmitted diseases, so the continuous use of condoms is still recommended. Does the vaccine have any complications? No, except for slight swelling, redness and burning, there are no complications. But since there is a risk of syncope after any type of vaccine, it is recommended to sit or lie down for fifteen minutes after the injection of the vaccine. How to use the vaccine? If the vaccine is injected before the age of 15 years, two doses with an interval of 6 to 12 months are sufficient, from this age onwards the vaccine is injected in three doses, the interval between the first and second doses is 2 months and the third dose is 6 months after the first dose. And it is injected intramuscularly in the deltoid muscle (arm). Do those who have been vaccinated need to have a pap smear (cervical cancer test)? Yes, since the injection of this vaccine does not provide complete immunity against cervical cancer (the immunity rate is up to 70%), all women, including those who have received the vaccine, should regularly perform a pap smear test to prevent cervical cancer.