[Question #10992] HPV Exposure Follow-Up Questions
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18 months ago
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Hello, this is a follow up to my question from a day ago titled “HPV Exposure” with Dr. Handsfield:
1) You stated that the vaccine offers protection for “at least 10 years”. With my first dose of Gardasil4 being 12 years ago and my second being a little over 10 years ago, can I still consider myself protected from my recent exposures over the past month?
2) How often do people get infected with 6 or 11 after being vaccinated over 10 years ago?
3) I believe I didn’t phrase one of my past questions correctly: Does what you said about my shots being adequate despite my age at the time (16.5 for first shot)and the two years between the two shots still apply since the vaccine was gardasil4 not gardasil9?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
18 months ago
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Welcome back to the Forum although it is unfortunate that you feel the need to continue worrying about the possibility of an innocuous, widespread viral infection (HPV). As you know, Dr. Handsfield and I share the Forum and on this occasion I happened to risk up your question. In preparing to reply, I re-read your earlier interaction with Dr. Handsfield and agree with all that he said, including when he said "Having been vaccinated, it is very unlikely you will ever experience genital warts. And if you do, you should look at this as an unpleasant inconvenience, not an important health problem."
In reply to your somewhat repetitive questions:
1) You stated that the vaccine offers protection for “at least 10 years”. With my first dose of Gardasil4 being 12 years ago and my second being a little over 10 years ago, can I still consider myself protected from my recent exposures over the past month?
Yes. When Dr. Handsfield relied he said "at least ten years". The benefits of HPV vaccinate, even when dosed irregularly are longstanding. Precisely how long is likely to vary from person to person for reasons that are not known.
2) How often do people get infected with 6 or 11 after being vaccinated over 10 years ago?
The HPV vaccines are generally considered to be about 98-99% effective for preventing infection. Occasionally vaccinated persons develop infection but it is uncommon.
3) I believe I didn’t phrase one of my past questions correctly: Does what you said about my shots being adequate despite my age at the time (16.5 for first shot)and the two years between the two shots still apply since the vaccine was gardasil4 not gardasil9?
Yes!!!
I really think you are worrying unnecessarily. You do not even know that the "bump" that contributed to your concerns is HPV and if it is, so what. HPV is widespread and typically self limited for those who acquire it. EWH
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18 months ago
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Thank you, Dr. Hook. I understand that my worries may be irrational and my questions can get a bit repetitive.
Considering I am vaccinated, would it be reasonable to have unprotected sex with my hpv-positive partner?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
18 months ago
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Yes you can continue to have unprotected sex with your HPV-positive partner Both because you are vaccinated and because you have already been exposed (remember while helpful, condoms are not entirely protective vs HPV). EWH---