HPV Vaccine

HPV Vaccine

HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is designed to protect against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can cause various cancers, including cervical cancer, and other health issues like genital warts. It is an important preventive tool, particularly for young people before they are exposed to the virus.

How the HPV Vaccine Works

The HPV vaccine works by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against specific strains of HPV. It is most effective when given before any exposure to the virus, as it prevents infection from the strains that cause cancers and genital warts.

HPV strains covered by the vaccine (like HPV 16, 18, 6, and 11) are responsible for the majority of cervical cancers and genital warts.

Who Needs the HPV Vaccine?

  • The vaccine is most effective when given to young girls and boys, ideally between 9 and 12 years old. This ensures they are vaccinated before becoming sexually active, thereby reducing the risk of HPV infection.
  • Boys are increasingly being vaccinated to prevent HPV-related cancers, such as anal, throat, and penile cancers.
Women up to 26: Women who have not been vaccinated previously can still receive the vaccine until the age of 26. It can help protect them from HPV-related cancers even if they are sexually active, as it may prevent infection from strains they have not yet encountered.

The vaccine may still be beneficial for adults aged 27 to 45 who have not been vaccinated and are at risk of new HPV exposure. However, its effectiveness is lower in this age group, as many people may already have been exposed to one or more HPV strains by this age. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider to determine if it’s appropriate.

People who are immunocompromised (e.g., those with HIV or organ transplant recipients) are recommended to get the HPV vaccine because they are at higher risk for HPV-related cancers.

Who Doesn’t Need the HPV Vaccine?

  1. Adults Over Age 45:People aged 46 and older typically do not need the HPV vaccine because most individuals in this age group have already been exposed to HPV, so the vaccine would be less effective.
  2. Pregnant Women:The HPV vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy. If a woman becomes pregnant after receiving a dose of the vaccine, further doses should be postponed until after delivery.
  3. Those with Allergies to Vaccine Components:People who have had severe allergic reactions to any ingredient in the HPV vaccine should not receive it.

Procedure for Getting the HPV Vaccine

  1. Consultation with a Healthcare Provider:

    • Before receiving the vaccine, a healthcare provider may ask about your medical history and any allergies to ensure the vaccine is safe for you.

  2. Vaccination Schedule:

    • For those aged 9-14: The vaccine is given in two doses (6-12 months apart).

    • For those aged 15 and older: The vaccine is typically given in three doses (1-2 months apart for the first two doses, and 6 months after the first dose for the third dose).

  3. Administration:

    • The vaccine is given as an injection in the upper arm muscle.

  4. Post-Vaccination Monitoring:

    • After vaccination, you may be asked to stay in the clinic for 15-30 minutes to monitor for any immediate reactions (e.g., dizziness).

  1. Prevents HPV-Related Cancers:

    • The vaccine significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer, anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and other HPV-related cancers.

  2. Prevents Genital Warts:

    • The vaccine also protects against the types of HPV that cause genital warts (HPV 6 and 11).

  3. Safe and Effective:

    • The vaccine is safe, with side effects being mostly mild (e.g., soreness at the injection site, headaches, or mild fever).

  4. Long-Term Benefits:

    • Provides long-lasting protection from HPV-related diseases.

  5. Cost-Effective Prevention:

    • It can significantly reduce healthcare costs by preventing cancers and genital warts caused by HPV.

  1. Not a Cure for Existing Infections:

    • The vaccine does not treat existing HPV infections or HPV-related cancers. It is a preventative vaccine.

  2. Side Effects:

    • While most side effects are mild, some people may experience soreness, headaches, dizziness, or a mild fever. Serious side effects, like allergic reactions, are rare.

  3. Incomplete Protection:

    • The vaccine protects against the most common and high-risk strains of HPV, but it does not protect against all HPV strains. Therefore, it is not 100% effective in preventing all HPV-related cancers.

  4. Multiple Doses:

    • For older individuals, especially those above 15, the vaccine requires multiple doses to be fully effective, which may be a barrier for some.

Since the vaccine is usually administered in three doses (for those aged 15 and older), the total cost for a full vaccination series can range from approximately 7,500 to 12,000 Thai Baht

  • Pap tests are still necessary even after receiving the HPV vaccine, especially for women aged 21 to 65. The vaccine protects against the most common high-risk HPV strains, but not all of them. Pap tests (or cervical screening) are crucial for early detection of abnormal cell changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer.

  • Even with the vaccine, women should continue regular screenings (like Pap smears or HPV tests) as part of their routine healthcare to detect abnormalities early.

Conclusion

The HPV vaccine is a highly effective preventative tool that reduces the risk of cancers and genital warts caused by HPV. It is most effective when given to young individuals before they become sexually active. While it significantly reduces the risk of HPV-related diseases, it does not eliminate the need for regular Pap tests or other screenings, as it does not protect against all HPV strains. The cost of the vaccine can vary, but many public health programs offer it for free or at a reduced cost.