Hpv Vaccine

Patient Education

What is HPV?

HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus which mainly affects the genitals, oral and throat region.

It is feared as in the long run it can be attributed to cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, oral, throat and penile cancers.

The major cause of all cervical cancers is Human Papilloma Virus.

How is HPV virus spread?

HPV is spread by skin to skin or skin to mucosa contact.

Sexual transmission is the most common way for HPV to spread. Although less common, horizontal transfer can occur by fomites, fingers, mouth and skin contact (non-sexual). Vertical transfer between mother to child during labour can also occur.

What are the HPV vaccines available?

There are over 100 strains of HPV out of which only a few cause cancers.

Different type of vaccines protect against different strains of the virus.

• Bivalent (HPV2) Cervarix®: this vaccine contains HPV types 16 and 18
• Quadrivalent (HPV4) Gardasil®: this vaccine contains HPV types 6, 11,16 and 18
• Nonavalent (HPV9): this vaccine contains HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.

What is the Schedule for HPV Vaccination?

Minimum age for starting the vaccine is 9 years of age.

Cervarix®

Girls 9 - 14 years: Two doses given at 0-6 months.

Girls > 15 years: Three doses at 0–1–6 months.

Immunocompromised: Three doses at 0–1–6 months.

Gardasil®

Girls 9 - 14 years: Two doses given at 0-6 months.

Girls > 15 years: Three doses at 0–2–6 months.

Immunocompromised: Three doses at 0–2–6 months.

HPV9 is licensed in a 3-dose schedule

Females 9-26 years: 0-2-6 months

Males 9-15 years: 0-2-6 months

How is the HPV Vaccine given?

The HPV vaccines are administered intramuscularly.

Is the HPV vaccine safe to use?

Yes, the HPV vaccine is considered safe.

Side effects of HPV Vaccine?

Local side effects can occur, including soreness, redness, swelling and pain at the site of injection.

Sometimes adolescents can experience fainting or giddiness after receiving the shot. This side effect is common in adolescents and isn’t specific to HPV vaccine.

Whom to give?

All girls over the age of 9 should receive the HPV vaccine. It is better to give the vaccine early on as children have a stronger immune system and prevention is better if started early.

Catch up vaccination can be given to older women.

Men can receive the vaccination – HPV9 vaccine is licensed for men in India

Whom not to give?

• Not recommended to give the vaccine to individuals who developed a severe allergic reaction during the first dose of the vaccine.
• Not recommended to use if the individual has a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine.
• Avoid this vaccine if you are pregnant.
• Avoid the HPV vaccine if you are chronically ill with some medical condition. It is advisable to take the medicine after complete recovery from the illness.