Who Needs an HPV Vaccine?

Medical Video: HPV Vaccine Is Important For Mens Health Too HD

The HPV vaccine is an inactive vaccine that protects the body from four main types of HPV (human papillomavirus) This includes two types of HPV which cause about 70% of cervical cancers, and two types that cause around 90% of genital warts. The HPV vaccine can prevent most genital warts and cervical cancer cases. Protection from this HPV vaccine is expected to last a long time. But, women who have been vaccinated still have to do so screening cervical cancer, because the vaccine does not protect the body against all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.

In theory, vaccinating boys against the type of HPV associated with cervical cancer can also help protect women from viruses with a possible reduction in transmission. Some types of HPV have also been linked to cancer of the mouth and throat, so the HPV vaccine also tends to offer protection against this type of cancer.

Who is the HPV vaccine for and when should it be given?

The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys at the age of 11 or 12 years, although vaccines can be given early at the age of 9 years. It is ideal for girls and boys to receive vaccines before they have sexual contact and get HPV. Research has shown that receiving a vaccine at a young age is not related to sexual activity at an early age.

If the three doses of the vaccine series are not complete at the age of 11-12 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that girls and women aged 13-26 years, as well as boys and men aged 13-21 years can receive the vaccine. However, men can still receive the HPV vaccine at the age of 26 if needed, especially for men who have sex with men and people with a weakened immune system due to certain diseases or treatments.

After a person is infected with HPV, the vaccine may be ineffective or not work at all. The response to vaccines is also better at a younger age than in old age. The three vaccines can be given as a series of three injections within six months:

First dose: Right now
Second dose: 2 months after the first dose
Third dose: 6 months after the first dose

If there is a delay in getting the second or third vaccine, you don't have to repeat the whole series. But, for full protection and long periods of time, all three doses are highly recommended.

Who can't get the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women or people who are seriously ill. Tell your doctor if you have severe allergies, including allergies to mold and latex. Also, if you have an allergic reaction to a vaccine component or a dose of a previous vaccine that is life threatening, you don't have to get a vaccine.

Is the HPV vaccine beneficial to people who are sexually active?

Yes. Even if you already have one type of HPV, you can still benefit from the vaccine because it can protect you from other types that you don't have. However, none of the vaccines can treat existing HPV infections. The vaccine only protects you from certain types of HPV that you don't have or already have.

What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?

This vaccine is not created to cause serious side effects. However, vaccines, like any drug, also have the possibility of causing serious problems, such as severe allergies, although this is very rare. Some minor problems that can occur after receiving the HPV vaccine are as follows:

Pain at the injection site (around 8 out of 10 people).
Redness or swelling at the injection site (about 1 in 4 people).
Mild fever, averaging 37.5 ° C (about 1 in 10 people).
Itching at the injection site (about 1 in 30 people).
Moderate fever, average 38 ° C (about 1 in 65 people).

Allergic reactions to life-threatening vaccines are very rare. However, if it appears, the reaction usually takes several minutes to several hours after vaccination. Just like all vaccines, the HPV vaccine will continue to be monitored for severe or rare problems.