HPV Vaccine for Men and Women

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HPV Vaccine

What is the HPV vaccine and how does it protect? The HPV vaccine is a recombinant vaccine containing proteins from the human papillomavirus (HPV) capsid, and it protects by preventing infection from certain types of the HPV virus. The vaccines available today protect against two, four, or nine types of HPV: a. bivalent : against oncogenic types 16 & 18 b. quadrivalent : against oncogenic types 16&18, and non-oncogenic types 6&11 c. 9-valent : against oncogenic types 16,18,31,33,45,52,58 and non-oncogenic types 6&11 It provides protection against 90% of cervical cancer cases, genital warts, and 89% of precancerous lesions of the anogenital and oral areas, which are associated with the HPV virus.

Why is preventive vaccination important for both women and men? Both sexes can carry the HPV virus and transmit it without even knowing it. Routine vaccination against HPV, especially in age groups that have not yet started sexual activity, can lead to the eradication of HPV-related cancers. Preventive vaccination protects women from cervical cancer. Preventive vaccination protects men and women from genital warts, precancerous lesions of the anogenital and oral areas, and anal cancer that are associated with the HPV virus.

At what ages is the HPV vaccine recommended? It is recommended for girls and boys, women and men aged 9 years and older. Although necessary for those who have not yet started sexual activity, HPV vaccination is not only for young people. Infection with the virus can occur at any time in a sexually active individual. If a person has already been infected with one type of virus, they can be protected against other types to which they have not been exposed and which are included in the vaccine. Vaccination cannot cure an existing HPV infection, but it can reduce the likelihood of recurrence of its lesions.

How often is the HPV vaccine repeated? The vaccine is given in 3 doses administered over a period of 6 months. Full protection is provided after the administration of the 3rd dose. According to recent studies, its prophylactic effect lasts almost a decade. Currently, it is not known whether a booster dose will be necessary in the future, as research on the matter is ongoing.

Are there contraindications to the HPV Vaccine? The main contraindications to HPV vaccination are pregnancy, fever, and allergy to vaccine components (fungi, mold). Immunocompromised patients may not develop enough antibodies after vaccination. Christopher Loizides, MD. Dermatologist-Venereologist Learn more: Genital Warts