Vaccination against the human papillomavirus
Gynecology Gynecological surgery Vaccination against HPV has proven its effectiveness in the prevention of cervical cancer and other malignant processes caused by papillomavirus infection.
Vaccination has been proven by time, it is safe, it can be done not only by women, but also by men. In addition to preventing malignant tumors, it provides protection against condylomas, warts, and papillomas.
Why is the human papillomavirus dangerous?
The HPV family (Papovaviridae) includes more than 100 different pathogens. They are transmitted during direct physical contact and sexually transmitted. One person can be infected with several types of pathogens at once.
Depending on which part of the body the pathogens got into, the following neoplasms can appear:
- warts on dense body coverings;
- genitals - acute condylomas;
- epithelium of the cervix, respiratory tract - papillomas.
Unfortunately, among the human papillomaviruses there are those that pose a risk of developing malignant processes, that means they are oncogenic.
The list of such pathogens includes more than 30 types, 16 and 18 are extremely dangerous: they are widespread and are found in 70% of patients with cervical neoplasia.
HPV infection provokes the following oncological processes:
- cervical cancer in 100% of women occurs against the background of HPV infection;
- rectal cancer – 90% of cases;
- tumors of the external genitalia among women - 70%, among men - 40%;
- laryngeal cancer – 12%;
- oral cavity – 3%.
As you can see, women are at the greatest risk because all cases of cervical cancer are caused by human papillomaviruses.
At the same time, approximately 40% of patients do not have visible signs of infection until the tumor is detected: neither condyloma nor papilloma.
Prevention of papillomavirus
Research shows that pathogens are most often transmitted during sexual intercourse or as a result of close physical contact. In this regard, the following methods of prevention of infection with human papilloma viruses are recommended:
- use barrier methods of contraception during each sexual act;
- avoid casual intimate contacts;
- have as few sexual partners as possible;
- be periodically examined for papillomavirus infection.
Unfortunately, there is evidence that even barrier methods (condoms) do not always prevent infection.
In this regard, special vaccines were developed to prevent the unpleasant and dangerous consequences of infection. Timely vaccination improves the immune response to infection, and the body destroys pathogens when it encounters them.
Types of HPV vaccines
Different types of microorganisms have different genomes, so a common vaccination against HPV, against all 100 types of papillo maviruses, has not been invented yet. However, there are drugs that create immunity against common and highly oncogenic pathogens:
- bivalent, against types 16 and 18 ("Cervarix");
- tetravalent or quadrivalent - "Gardasyl 4vHPV" protects against types 6, 11, 16, 18;
- ninevalent - "Gardasyl 9vHPV" strengthens protection against 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 types of papilloma viruses.
Bi- and quadrivalent vaccines are available in Ukraine and are used by Universum clinic specialists for HPV immunization.
How is the vaccination provided and for whom is HPV vaccination recommended?
- intend to start an intimate relationship;
- have often sexual intercourses;
- often change sexual partners;- have immunodeficiency;
- have symptoms of HPV infection and are engaged in their treatment.
It is better complete the immunization course before the age of 26, since most people are infected with human papillomaviruses by the age of 27.
The course of vaccination involves two or three injections with a break between them of several weeks or months. Our specialist will suggest you the best scheme of vaccination. When a person already has symptoms of HPV infection, vaccination will not be able to cure them, but vaccination reduces the risk of relapse in those who treat these neoplasms.
Possible reactions and side effects after HPV vaccination
Vaccination against papillomavirus is usually well tolerated, many people do not even feel any effects after the injection. However, local or general reactions are possible:
- pain, redness and swelling at the injection site;
- temperature, low fever;
- dizziness, headache;
- nausea;
- joint pain, muscle pain.
After vaccination, Universum clinic organizes monitoring of the patient's condition, thanks to which we have the opportunity to make sure that there are no allergic reactions.
When is HPV vaccination contraindicated?
An absolute contraindication to vaccination against papillomaviruses is a high risk of allergy to the vaccine or its components (for example, yeast).
It is also not recommended to get vaccinated in the following situations:
- allergic phenomena after the first use of the vaccine against papillomaviruses;
- pregnancy period;
- active inflammatory process, fever;
- acute period of infectious diseases;
- severe health disorders and related treatment.
Pregnancy is considered a relative contraindication, but pregnant women should be vaccinated only after consultation with an experienced specialist.
Why should you contact Universum clinic?
Our clinic offers an immunization course to everyone who needs an HPV vaccine in Kyiv and the suburbs of the capital, in Chernivtsi, Uzhgorod, Khmelnytskyi or Lviv. An experienced and qualified doctor conducts a survey and examination of patients before vaccination, determines the presence of indications and contraindications, and draws up an immunization plan.
After vaccination, we monitor the person's condition to prevent possible health complication
- StatBite: Proportion of specific cancers caused by HPV. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2010 Jun 16;102(12):839. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djq224. Epub 2010 Jun 8. PMID: 20530763.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), доступ 05.11.2022.
- Giuliano AR et al, “Efficacy of quadrivalent HPV vaccine against HPV Infection and disease in males.” N Engl J Med. 2011 Feb 3;364(5):401-11. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa0909537.
- Muthukrishnan M et al, “Barriers to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among young adults, aged 18-35.”, Prev Med Rep. 2022 Aug 8;29:101942. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101942.
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- you can start the course of immunization from the age of 9 years
- it is recommended to undergo vaccination at the age of 11–12 years;
- it is worth getting vaccinated before the age of 26;
- people aged 26–45 years and older should consult a doctor before immunization.
- children aged 11 to 12 years should receive two doses of HPV vaccine with break 6 to 12 months ;
- those who start HPV vaccination at the age of 15 years or older should receive three doses over 6 months;
- most people need one course of immunization to have strong protection against papillomaviruses throughout their lives.
- the injection is placed in the shoulder;
- if this area is not suitable for an injection for various reasons, you can inject the vaccine into the thigh.
