All medicines, including vaccines, can have side effects. HPV vaccine side effects, or the reaction people have had after an injection are much similar to reactions after other vaccines.
The most common HPV vaccine side effects are pain, redness and/or swelling at the site of injection. These symptoms occur after around 4 in 5 vaccinations but are temporary and show that the immune system is responding to the vaccination. These symptoms can be treated with a cold pack or paracetamol if needed.
More severe side effects such as anaphylactic (allergic) reactions are extremely rare. For every million doses of the vaccine given, statistically, there are only around 3 allergic reactions reported to occur. This rate is similar to other vaccines given to children and adults. Allergic reactions normally happen within 10 minutes of having an injection, and typically is associated with individuals allergic to an ingredient in the vaccine, such as yeast.
After your child has had the vaccine, they are monitored for 15 minutes to make sure they don’t have an allergic reaction. Treatment for possible allergic response is quick and successfully done by the attending nurse.
Other common HPV Vaccine side effects include:
- Fever
- Headache or feeling tired
- Nausea
- Muscle or joint pain
Who Should Not Get the HPV Vaccine
Tell your vaccine provider if the person getting the vaccine:
- Has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of the HPV vaccine, or has any severe, life-threatening allergies.
- Is pregnant.
- In some cases, your healthcare provider may decide to postpone HPV vaccination to a future visit.
- People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, maybe vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting the HPV vaccine.
