Infection with certain types of HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. Usually when a women is infected with human papilloma virus. The immune system usually eliminates the infection. But in some women they will cause the cervical cancer. HPV also causes oropharyngeal cancer.

The human papilloma virus is a quadrivalent vaccine since it gives protection against four types like 6, 11, 16 and 18. It is given as three intramuscular injections over a 6-month period. The trade name is called Gardasil.

There is another bivalent called Cervarix. This is given for HPV types 16 and 18. This vaccine is also given in three doses over a 6 month period. But this vaccine is not approved by the FDA.

Side effects of vaccines are fainting, pain, swelling at injection site, headache, nausea, fever.

These vaccines will not give protection against all the infections which cause cervical cancer. The women who have taken these vaccines should also undergo screening for the cervical cancer every year.

Both the vaccines are highly effective in preventing the infection. Gardasil prevents precancerous cervical cell changes caused by the types of HPV targeted by the vaccine for up to 4 years after vaccination.

The vaccines are effective if it is given before infection with Human papilloma virus. It is better to give the vaccines to the women who are sexually active.

Soreness and pain at the injection site is common side effects of the vaccines.

The vaccines are given for the females of age 9 to 26 years of age