Are there Side Effects from the HPV Vaccine?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are proven tools in preventing cervical, anal, oropharyngeal and other cancers caused by HPV. Like all vaccines and medicines, they can cause side effects. Here’s what you need to know about HPV vaccine side effects—what’s common, what’s rare and when to seek medical help.

Why HPV Vaccination Matters

• HPV causes nearly all cervical cancers and many other anogenital and oral cancers.
• Widespread vaccination has already led to dramatic drops in HPV infections and precancerous lesions.
• Public health authorities (CDC, WHO) recommend routine HPV vaccination for preteens, teens and young adults.

Common, Mild Side Effects

Most side effects are mild, short-lived and similar to those of other vaccines. In clinical trials and post-licensure monitoring, the most frequently reported reactions include:

• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• Low-grade fever (up to 100.4°F/38°C)
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or mild stomach upset

These usually resolve on their own within a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) and a cool compress can help with discomfort.

Uncommon and Transient Reactions

A small proportion of vaccine recipients may experience:

• Muscle or joint aches
• Fainting (vasovagal syncope) — most common in adolescents; sitting or lying down for 15 minutes after vaccination reduces risk
• Enlarged lymph nodes (usually in the armpit of the arm injected)
• Itching or a mild rash

Fainting can be alarming but is typically not serious. Staying seated for a few minutes after the shot and having a trusted adult nearby helps.

Rare or Serious Adverse Events

Large-scale safety studies have looked for possible links between HPV vaccination and rare but serious conditions:

1. Autoimmune disorders

   • Study: Arnheim-Dahlström L et al. (2013, BMJ) reviewed autoimmune, neurological and venous thromboembolic events after HPV vaccination in Sweden and Denmark.
   • Finding: No increased risk of autoimmune diseases (e.g., type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis) in more than 1.6 million doses tracked.

2. Neurological conditions

   • Same BMJ study found no evidence that Guillain-Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis or other serious neurological disorders occur more often after HPV vaccination.

3. Blood clots (venous thromboembolism)

   • The BMJ analysis also showed no link between HPV shots and deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

4. Allergic reactions

   • Severe allergic (anaphylactic) reactions are extremely rare (<1 per million doses). Vaccination sites are equipped to manage anaphylaxis immediately.

5. Other concerns

   • A U.S. Vaccine Safety Datalink study (Gee J. et al., Pediatrics 2014) reviewed more than 600,000 quadrivalent HPV vaccine doses:
     • Confirmed safety profile consistent with pre-licensure trials.
     • No new patterns of harm or unexpected safety signals emerged.

Why Rare Does Not Mean Impossible

Even in very large studies, an extremely rare event might not show a statistically significant increase. Monitoring continues globally via systems such as:
• VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, U.S.)
• VSD (Vaccine Safety Datalink, U.S.)
• EudraVigilance (European Union)

If you or your child experiences a worrying symptom after vaccination—especially within hours to days—report it to the provider and consider doing a free, online symptom check for to guide next steps.

Misinformation and Myths

• Myth: “HPV vaccines cause infertility.”
– Fact: No credible evidence links HPV vaccination to fertility problems. Studies have followed thousands of women and men without any increase in infertility diagnoses.

• Myth: “HPV vaccine causes chronic fatigue or autoimmune disease.”
– Fact: Large reviews (Arnheim-Dahlström et al., Gee et al.) found no causal connection between HPV shots and chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis or autoimmune conditions.

• Myth: “Because HPV is sexually transmitted, vaccination encourages early sexual activity.”
– Fact: Multiple studies show vaccination does not change sexual behavior or increase risk-taking.

What to Do If You Have Concerns

1. Track your symptoms. Write down what you feel, when it started and how long it lasts.
2. Use a reputable symptom checker: symptom check for can help you decide if you need medical evaluation.
3. Speak to a healthcare provider if:
   • Fever exceeds 102°F (38.9°C) or lasts more than 48 hours
   • Injection-site pain/swelling worsens after 2–3 days
   • You develop chest pain, shortness of breath or leg swelling (rare blood-clot signs)
   • You experience numbness, tingling or severe headache (seek immediate care)
4. Report serious events to VAERS (U.S.) or your country’s vaccine safety monitoring program.

Balancing Risk vs. Benefit

• The risk of serious side effects from HPV vaccines is extremely low.
• The lifetime risk of acquiring HPV is high—most sexually active people will be exposed.
• HPV vaccination prevents up to 90% of cervical cancers and the majority of other HPV-related cancers.

By comparison, the inconvenience of mild side effects is far outweighed by the long-term protection vaccines provide.

Final Thoughts

HPV vaccine side effects are generally mild and short-lived. Large population studies (Arnheim-Dahlström et al. 2013; Gee et al. 2014) consistently confirm a strong safety profile with no increased risk of autoimmune, neurological or venous thromboembolic events. Always:

• Monitor for any concerning symptoms
• Use a free, online symptom check for if you’re unsure
• Speak to a doctor about any possible life-threatening or serious reactions

Protecting yourself or your child against HPV is one of the most effective steps you can take to prevent cancer. Discuss any questions or health concerns with your healthcare provider—they’re your best resource for personalized advice.