Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Immunization in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States, including here in Grand Rapids. Understanding HPV, how it spreads, and how vaccination works can help protect you and your family from HPV-related cancers and genital warts.

What Is HPV?

HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses. About 40 HPV types can infect the genital area, including:

  • Vulva and vagina
  • Cervix
  • Penis and scrotum
  • Anus and rectum
  • Mouth and throat

Most sexually active people in Grand Rapids and across Michigan will get HPV at some point in their lives. In fact, about 9 out of 10 people are infected with HPV at least once.

HPV is spread mainly through skin-to-skin sexual contact, including:

  • Vaginal sex
  • Anal sex
  • Oral sex
  • Genital-to-genital contact
  • Sharing sex toys (such as vibrators, dildos, butt plugs)

You can get HPV even if you have only had sexual contact once.

Many People With HPV Have No Symptoms

Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own within 1–2 years. You may never know you had it.

However, some HPV infections do not clear and can cause health problems, including:

  • Genital warts (caused by low-risk HPV types)
  • Certain cancers (caused by high-risk HPV types), including:
    • Cervical cancer
    • Vaginal and vulvar cancer
    • Anal and penile cancer
    • Some mouth and throat cancers

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

See your primary care provider, OB/GYN, or a sexual health clinic (such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health clinics) if you notice:

  • Lumps, bumps, or warts in the genital or anal area
  • Itching, pain, or irritation in the genital area
  • Unusual vaginal or anal bleeding
  • Pain during sex

You can be infected with one or more types of HPV at the same time. Signs of HPV (including warts) may:

  • Not be visible
  • Be in areas that are hard to see
  • Cause no symptoms at all

Because of this, regular sexual health checkups and STI testing are important if you are sexually active.

HPV, Genital Warts, and Cancer Risk

Not all HPV types cause cancer. Different HPV strains have different risks:

  • Low-risk HPV types – can cause genital warts but do not cause cancer.
  • High-risk HPV types – can cause abnormal cell changes that may lead to cancer over many years.

You cannot get genital HPV from common warts on hands or feet. Those are caused by different HPV types.

HPV and Cervical Cancer

About 14 high-risk HPV strains can infect the cervix. If these infections do not clear naturally, they can cause abnormal cell changes (dysplasia), which can slowly develop into cervical cancer over 10 years or more.

Even with vaccination, cervical cancer screening is still essential for people with a cervix.

In Grand Rapids, cervical cancer screening and HPV-related care are available through:

  • Spectrum Health and Corewell Health OB/GYN practices
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids women’s health clinics
  • Metro Health and Mercy Health primary care and OB/GYN clinics
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health services

HPV Vaccination in Grand Rapids, MI

What Does the HPV Vaccine Protect Against?

The HPV vaccine used in the U.S. (Gardasil®9):

  • Protects against 9 HPV types that cause over 90–95% of HPV-related cancers
  • Protects against 2 HPV types that cause about 90% of genital warts

The vaccine prevents disease caused by HPV. It does not treat existing HPV infections.

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend HPV vaccination for all genders.

Routine HPV Vaccination

  • Ideal age: 11–12 years (can start as early as 9)
  • HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone through age 26 if not adequately vaccinated earlier.

In Grand Rapids, many children receive HPV vaccines:

  • Through school-based vaccination events
  • At pediatric and family medicine practices
  • At health systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
  • Through Kent County Health Department clinics

Catch-Up Vaccination (Ages 13–26)

If you did not receive HPV vaccination at the recommended age, you can still be vaccinated up to age 26. Talk to your doctor or a local clinic about a catch-up schedule.

Adults Ages 27–45

Routine HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone over age 26, because most adults have already been exposed to HPV. However, some adults aged 27–45 may benefit based on their risk.

If you are 27–45 and interested in HPV vaccination:

  • Discuss your sexual history and risk factors with your provider.
  • Vaccination may be considered using shared clinical decision-making.

Adults 27 and older may need to pay out of pocket, depending on insurance. Costs vary by:

  • Vaccine brand
  • Number of doses
  • Clinic or pharmacy fees
  • Insurance coverage

Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM)

Men who have sex with men (MSM) have a higher risk of HPV-related anal and throat cancers and are strongly recommended to be vaccinated if they have not already completed the HPV series, regardless of age (up to 26 routinely; 27–45 based on discussion with a provider).

HPV Vaccine Schedule

The number of doses depends on your age and immune status.

Standard Schedule (Non-Immunocompromised)

  • Ages 9–14:

    • 2 doses
    • Dose 1: now
    • Dose 2: 6–12 months after dose 1

  • Ages 15–26 (starting the series):

    • 3 doses
    • Dose 1: now
    • Dose 2: 1–2 months after dose 1
    • Dose 3: 6 months after dose 1

Immunocompromised People (Age 9 and Older)

People with significant immunocompromising conditions (for example, due to HIV, cancer treatment, or certain medications) should receive:

  • 3 doses, regardless of age at start
    • Dose 1: now
    • Dose 2: 1–2 months after dose 1
    • Dose 3: 6 months after dose 1

Talk to your provider at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or the Kent County Health Department about the right schedule for you or your child.

Where to Get the HPV Vaccine in Grand Rapids

In Grand Rapids and Kent County, you can get the HPV vaccine at:

  • Primary care and pediatric clinics (family doctors, pediatricians, internal medicine)
  • OB/GYN practices
  • Health systems:
    • Spectrum Health / Corewell Health clinics
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids clinics
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health physician practices
  • Kent County Health Department immunization clinics
  • Community health centers and federally qualified health centers
  • Participating community pharmacies (e.g., Meijer, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, local pharmacies)

Always ask about:

  • Vaccine availability
  • Whether it is covered by your insurance plan
  • Any administration or visit fees

HPV Vaccine Safety and Side Effects

The HPV vaccine has been extensively tested and monitored for safety worldwide and in Michigan.

How the Vaccine Works

  • The vaccine contains virus-like particles, not live virus.
  • It cannot cause HPV infection.
  • It looks similar enough to the virus that your immune system produces protective antibodies.
  • These antibodies help prevent future HPV infections and HPV-related disease.

Common, Mild Side Effects

Side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days. They may include:

  • Pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site
  • Low-grade fever
  • Mild headache
  • Mild nausea
  • Feeling tired or faint (especially in teens)

To feel more comfortable after vaccination, you can:

  • Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if needed (check the label or confirm dose with your pharmacist or provider)
  • Drink extra fluids
  • Wear light clothing if you have a fever
  • Apply a cool compress to the injection site

You will usually be asked to stay at the clinic for about 15 minutes after the shot in case of dizziness or rare allergic reactions.

Rare but Serious Reactions

Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are very rare but can occur with any vaccine. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department (e.g., Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health Hospital) if you experience:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
  • Hives
  • Severe dizziness

If you are concerned about any reaction after vaccination, contact:

  • Your doctor or clinic
  • A local urgent care
  • An emergency department if symptoms are severe

Who Should Not Get the HPV Vaccine?

Before receiving the HPV vaccine, tell your doctor or nurse if you:

  • Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
  • Have a severe allergy to any component of the HPV vaccine
  • Have had a serious reaction to a previous dose of HPV vaccine
  • Are very unwell (fever over 100.4°F / 38.0°C) on the day of vaccination
  • Have a condition that affects your immune system or are taking medicines that weaken immunity

Pregnancy and HPV Vaccination

  • HPV vaccination is not recommended during pregnancy.
  • If you discover you are pregnant after starting the series, remaining doses can be delayed until after pregnancy.
  • HPV vaccine can be safely given while breastfeeding.

HPV, Sexual Health, and Safer Sex in Grand Rapids

While HPV vaccination greatly reduces your risk of HPV-related cancers and genital warts, it does not protect against all HPV types or all STIs.

To reduce your risk:

  • Use barrier protection (external condoms, internal condoms, dental dams) during vaginal, anal, and oral sex
  • Get regular STI testing if you are sexually active
  • Avoid sharing sex toys, or use condoms on toys and clean them between uses
  • See a doctor or sexual health clinic promptly if you notice any genital skin changes, lumps, warts, pain, or bleeding

Sexual health services are available in Grand Rapids through:

  • Hospital-based clinics (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Community health centers
  • Kent County Health Department sexual health services
  • Planned Parenthood and other local sexual health providers

Cervical Cancer Screening Still Needed

Even if you receive the full HPV vaccine series, you still need regular cervical cancer screening if you have a cervix.

  • Screening usually starts at age 21 in the U.S.
  • Frequency and type of test (Pap test and/or HPV test) depend on your age and prior results.
  • Screening is recommended even if you:
    • Feel healthy
    • Have had the HPV vaccine
    • Are in a long-term monogamous relationship
    • Have gone through menopause

Some people who have had a hysterectomy may still need cervical or vaginal screening. Discuss this with your OB/GYN.

In Grand Rapids, cervical screening is available through:

  • OB/GYN practices at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
  • Primary care offices
  • Kent County Health Department clinics
  • Community health centers

HPV Vaccine Effectiveness and Long-Term Protection

Since HPV vaccines were introduced in the mid-2000s, research in the U.S. and other countries has shown:

  • Large reductions in HPV infections
  • Major declines in genital warts among vaccinated age groups
  • Significant drops in cervical pre-cancer (high-grade cervical abnormalities) in young women

Long-term studies show that HPV vaccines provide very high protection (close to 100% in those who complete the series) against the HPV types they cover, for at least 10+ years, with no sign that protection is weakening. Protection is expected to be long-lasting and likely lifelong.

If booster shots are ever recommended in the future, national and state immunization registries and your healthcare provider will guide you.

HPV, Michigan Seasons, and Local Health Considerations

In Grand Rapids, cold winters and long indoor seasons can mean:

  • More time spent indoors in close contact with others
  • Greater importance of staying up to date on all vaccines (HPV, flu, COVID-19, etc.)

HPV is not affected by weather, but keeping regular annual checkups—even in winter—helps ensure you stay on track with recommended vaccines and cancer screenings.

Grand Rapids and Michigan overall have diverse communities and varying access to care. If transportation, cost, or insurance is a concern:

  • Contact the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health to ask about low-cost or sliding-scale vaccine options and STI services.
  • Many clinics in the Grand Rapids metro area offer financial assistance programs.

Key Points About HPV and Immunization in Grand Rapids

  • HPV is very common and is spread through sexual contact.
  • Most infections clear on their own, but some cause genital warts or cancer.
  • HPV vaccination is highly effective at preventing most HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
  • The vaccine is recommended for all genders, ideally at ages 11–12, with catch-up through age 26.
  • Adults 27–45 may consider vaccination after discussing risks and benefits with a provider.
  • The vaccine is safe, with mostly mild, short-lived side effects.
  • Cervical cancer screening is still needed even if you are vaccinated.
  • In Grand Rapids, you can get HPV vaccines and screening through major health systems, local clinics, and the Kent County Health Department.

If you live in or near Grand Rapids, talk with your doctor, pediatrician, or a local clinic about HPV vaccination for yourself or your child, and ask about coverage through your insurance or local public health programs.