Human papillomavirus, or HPV,affects about 20 million people each year making it the most common of sexually transmitted viruses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Certain strains of human papillomavirus can cause health problems. Two human papillomavirus vaccines are on the market: Gardasil, which protects against all four strains, and Cervarix, which protects only against the cervical cancer strains. Each vaccine carries risks.
Reaction to Injection
Some people have a reaction to the injection. The CDC states that eight in 10 people have pain, and one in four people have either redness or swelling at the site of injection. The Mayo Clinic adds that the other skin conditions can occur, such as blistering of the skin. If the person has an allergic reaction, she may have hives after the injection. Other risks include swelling of other parts of the body, puffiness of the face, sores in the mouth or lips and red streaks on skin.
Fever and Pain
The Mayo Clinic states that fever is a common side effect of the vaccine. The CDC notes that one in 10 people have a mild fever, which is 100 F, and one in 65 people have a moderate fever, which is 102 F. Pain in other regions of the body is also a possible risk. For example, one in three people have a headache after receiving the human papillomavirus vaccine, according to the CDC. Other types of pain the person may have after the injection include bladder pain, body aches, joint pain, back pain and a sore throat.
Dizziness and Fainting
The CDC warns that some people may faint or have jerky movements during or after the vaccination. The fainting can be prevented by sitting or lying down for 15 minutes after the injection. The Mayo Clinic adds that other people can experience difficulty breathing, unusual weakness, tightness in the chest and a slowed heartbeat.
