VACCINE RESOURCE COMMITTEE

of the Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association

View Full List of Vaccine Questions Here

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Question #3:

Are PAP tests still required after the vaccine?

Cervical cancer is much less likely after vaccination but may still occur; therefore, routine pap tests are still recommended.

HPV is a group of more than 100 different types of viruses. More than 40 types of HPV are spread through sexual contact. These types can infect the genital areas including the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus and penis, as well as some parts of the mouth and throat. 

It is still important to have regular Pap tests even if vaccinated, because vaccines do not protect against all types of cervical cancer,. When to have a Pap test is based on age and risk factors.

Sources:

Alberta Health Services: Human papillomavirus (HPV-9) vaccine