The HPV vaccine helps protect people from certain kinds of cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Doctors and health experts around the world say the vaccine is safe and works well. Millions of people have received it.
Still, many parents and teens want to know about side effects before getting the shot. Most side effects are mild and go away quickly. Serious problems are very rare.
Here’s what you should know about HPV vaccine side effects and when to call a doctor.
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. This virus can cause:
The HPV vaccine helps your body fight off the virus before it can cause disease. The vaccine is usually given to kids and teens around ages 9–25, but older teens and adults above 25 can get it too.
Most people who get the HPV vaccine have only mild side effects. These are normal signs that the body is building protection.
The most common side effect is pain where the shot was given.
Your arm may feel:
This usually lasts a day or two.
Some people may feel a little sick after the shot. Common symptoms include:
These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days.
Studies of millions of vaccine doses have found these are the most common reactions.
Some teens faint after getting shots, including the HPV vaccine. This is called syncope.
Fainting is usually caused by stress, fear, or nervousness about needles, and not by the vaccine itself.
Signs that someone may faint include:
Doctors often ask patients to sit for 15 minutes after getting vaccinated to help prevent falls and injuries.
Serious side effects are very rare. Health experts around the world carefully watch vaccine safety.
A very small number of people may have a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
Signs include:
This usually happens soon after the shot. Medical workers are trained to treat it quickly.
Some people worry about a rare nerve problem called Guillain-Barré syndrome, or GBS.
GBS can cause:
Large safety studies found no clear link between the HPV vaccine and GBS. Researchers studied millions of vaccine doses and found the risk to be extremely low.
Many studies have looked for a connection between HPV vaccines and autoimmune diseases. Researchers have not found evidence that the vaccine causes these illnesses.
Large reviews involving millions of people found no increased risk of autoimmune disease after HPV vaccination.
Most side effects are mild and go away on their own. But you should get medical help right away if someone has:
These reactions are rare, but it’s always best to be careful.
Most HPV vaccine side effects do not last long.
Side EffectHow Long It Usually Lasts
Sore arm1–3 days
Headache1–2 days
Mild fever1–2 days
Tiredness1–2 days
DizzinessA few minutes to hours
To Get Vaccinated Against HPV
Thinking of taking the HPV vaccine WhatsApp 07063736485 or visit our booking portal.
You can visit our head clinic at Abraham Adesanya or any of our access points at Surulere, Magodo, Victoria Island, Ibadan, Warri, Benin City.
The Inocul8 Team
Preventive-health writers and clinicians sharing trustworthy vaccine guidance for Nigeria.
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