Health Department

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our administration office at 10777 Main Street in Fairfax is open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Clinic services are not offered at this location.
703-246-2411 TTY 711
10777 Main Street
Fairfax, VA 22030
Gloria Addo-Ayensu, M.D., M.P.H.
Director of Health

Department Resources

HPV Vaccination Protects Against Cervical, and Other, Cancers

https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/hcp/protecting-patients.htmlCervical cancer is a significant threat to the health and well-being of Americans with roughly 13,000 cases diagnosed each year. Cervical cancer can however be prevented with vaccination and screenings.

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common a sexually transmitted infection. However, anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer risk factors include:

  • Many sexual partners. The greater your number of sexual partners — and the greater your partner's number of sexual partners — the greater your chance of acquiring HPV.
  • Early sexual activity. Having sex at an early age increases your risk of HPV.
  • Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Having other STIs — such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS — increases your risk of HPV.
  • A weakened immune system. You may be more likely to develop cervical cancer if your immune system is weakened by another health condition and you have HPV.
  • Smoking. Smoking is associated with squamous cell cervical cancer.
  • Exposure to miscarriage prevention drug. If your mother took a drug called diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant in the 1950s, you may have an increased risk of a certain type of cervical cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma.

To reduce risk of cervical cancer:

  • Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine. Receiving a vaccination to prevent HPV infection may reduce your risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Ask your doctor whether an HPV vaccine is appropriate for you.
  • Have routine Pap tests. Pap tests can detect precancerous conditions of the cervix, so they can be monitored or treated in order to prevent cervical cancer. Most medical organizations suggest beginning routine Pap tests at age 21 and repeating them every three years.
  • Practice safe sex. Reduce your risk of cervical cancer by taking measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections, such as using a condom every time you have sex and limiting the number of sexual partners you have.
  • Don't smoke. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, talk to your doctor about strategies to help you quit.

HPV infections are common and can cause other cancers in both women and men. The HPV vaccine is recommended for all children long before they ever have contact with the virus. Children ages 9-14 are given two doses of vaccine, 6-12 months apart. People who obtain their first dose on or after their 15th birthday will receive three doses.

The Fairfax County Health Department provides HPV vaccinations, on a sliding scale fee, for residents in our community and urges them to get vaccinated against HPV. This vaccine is one of three that are required for public school entry. The Health Department only vaccinates people through 26 years old, but people up to the age of 45 are eligible to get the vaccine from their medical provider.

Find out more about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination:

Close
Fairfax Virtual Assistant