The main transmission route is through sexual contact with an infected individual, this includes sexual intercourse of any type or skin-to-skin contact of the genital area. Anyone who is sexually active (men and women) can transmit the infection. HPV can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth.
Several strains of HPV can be prevented through vaccination. However, the vaccines do not prevent all strains, so it is important to use barriers methods such as condoms during all types of sex to prevent the transmission of HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Women should also continue to have routine smear tests evn if they have been vaccinationed against HPV.
Age of Use | Doses Required | Schedule |
9-14 years | 2 | 0, 6-24 months |
15 years + | 3 | 0, 1, 4-6 months |