7 Things to Know About HPV Vaccination
If you have ever had sex before, are currently sexually active or may have sex in the future, it’s highly likely that you have had, have or will at some point get infected with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) worldwide and it is estimated that up to 75% of people will get infected with the virus sometime in their lives. There are over 100 strains of HPV, about 40 of which are known to infect genital skin. They can be further divided into low and high-risk subtypes. Low-risk HPV can cause genital warts while high-risk HPV may potentially lead to cancer in the cervix, genital skin and anus.
The good news is that the next generation of children and young adults may face lower odds thanks to the HPV vaccine. There are presently 3 vaccines available in the market with the latest one being Gardasil-9. It directly protects against 9 strains of HPV, of which 7 are high-risk and 2 are low-risk. Real-world data shows that getting vaccinated reduces the risk of developing HPV-related cancers by over 90%. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine vaccination for boys and girls from age 11 or 12 years, before they start to become sexually active later in life.
Here are 7 useful and important things that you should know about HPV vaccination.
1) Children and adolescents under the age of 15 only require 2 doses of the vaccine.
The second dose of HPV vaccine should be given 6 to 12 months after the first dose. However, do note that adolescents who receive 2 doses less than 5 months apart will require a third dose.
Teens and young adults who start the series at ages 15 through 26 years should undergo 3 doses, with the recommended schedule being 0, 2 and 6 months.
3 doses are recommended for immunocompromised persons (including those with HIV infection) aged 9 through 26 years.
2) You can still get the HPV vaccine even after the age of 26.
In late 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the approved use of Gardasil-9 to include men and women aged 27 through 45 years. This was based on favourable results from a study on 3,200 women in this age group: Gardasil-9 was found to be 88% effective in preventing a combined endpoint of persistent infection, genital warts, vulvar and vaginal precancerous lesions, cervical precancerous lesions, and cervical cancer related to HPV types covered by the vaccine. The effectiveness of Gardasil-9 in men was inferred from the data described above in women.
What this means is that although sexually active persons in the age range of 27 through 45 years are likely to have already been exposed to HPV, they can still benefit from the HPV vaccine. You are encouraged to speak with your doctor to find out more on whether it is suitable for you.
3) Vaccinate your child early if there is a family history of cervical cancer.
While 11 is the average age children get vaccinated, you might consider getting your child vaccinated around age 9 if you have a family history of cervical cancer — including your child’s mother, grandmothers and aunts.
4) Boys should also get vaccinated against HPV.
The HPV vaccine is not just for females only! In addition to preventing genital warts, the vaccine also helps to protect against anal, penile, oral and throat cancers - all of which men may be susceptible to.
The other reason is to protect the community at large. Vaccinating boys helps to prevent them from contracting HPV infection and subsequently spreading it to their current and future sexual partners. In doing so, it indirectly helps to protect girls as well.
5) The HPV vaccine is safe.
For the majority of healthy children, the HPV vaccine is safe. Scientific research shows the benefits of HPV vaccination far outweigh the potential risks. The most common side effects mirror those of other vaccines: pain at the injection site, fever and/or headache. No serious adverse events have been associated with any HPV vaccine.
6) The vaccine does not treat HPV.
The HPV vaccine is only preventive and will not have a therapeutic effect on any existing HPV infections. This is why it is highly encouraged to get vaccinated as young as possible, ideally before one starts to become sexually active.
7) Ladies should still undergo routine cervical cancer screening even if they have undergone HPV vaccination.
The HPV vaccine does not protect against all possible high-risk types of HPV, nor does it protect against any strains a person was exposed to before vaccination, so Pap smears and/or HPV tests are still recommended for women who have had the HPV vaccine.
Click to learn more about Cervical Cancer Screening, HPV Vaccine and Genital Warts.
Make an appointment if you would like to schedule a vaccine for yourself, your partner or your child!
