Cervical cancer is among the most common cancers in the world. HPV vaccine is in the first place to protect against HPV virus, which is the source of the majority of cervical cancer. Until recently, vaccines providing protection against 4 types of HPV virus were applied in Turkey, but now vaccines providing protection against 9 types of HPV virus are being made.
From Memorial Ataşehir Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Op. Dr. Bilgi Gökcan gave information about the HPV vaccine.
1-Who can be administered the HPV vaccine?
HPV vaccine, which provides a high level of protection against cervical cancer, can be administered to every woman from the age of 9, without an upper age limit. HPV vaccine is administered to men up to the age of 26. All men between the ages of 9 and 26 can have the HPV vaccine.
2-How many doses of HPV vaccine should be used?
HPV vaccine is a 3-dose vaccine. The second dose is administered 1 month after the first dose. The last dose of vaccine should be given 5 months after the second dose. A single dose of HPV vaccine is sufficient for children up to 14 years of age. After the age of 15, 3 doses of the vaccine are required, as in adults. In children between the age of 13 and the beginning of 15, 2 doses of the vaccine are sufficient.
3- How many types of HPV does the HPV vaccine protect against?
There are many types of HPV. Some of these HPV types cause cervical cancer and some cause genital warts. Until recently, 4 HPV vaccines were administered in Turkey. Instead of the quadruple vaccine that provides protection against HPV type 6, HPV type 11, HPV type 16 and HPV type 18, vaccines that provide protection against 9 types of HPV are now made in Turkey. In addition to the quadruple vaccine, the new vaccine also provides protection against HPV type 31, HPV type 33, HPV type 45, HPV type 52 and HPV type 53.
4-Are the dose rates the same in the new HPV vaccine?
There is no change in the dosage schedule of the new vaccine that provides protection against 9 types of HPV virus. It can be administered in 3 doses, as in the 4-fold HPV vaccine.
5- Is it possible to be vaccinated in people infected with HPV?
People who are infected with HPV can also be vaccinated against HPV. Even if the HPV virus has entered the body, the immunity created by the HPV vaccine is higher than that of people who are self-transmitted. Immunity from the HPV vaccine lasts for about 25 years.
6- Can people infected with HPV get HPV virus again?
People who have been treated with HPV can be infected with the HPV virus again afterward. There is a risk of re-infecting the HPV virus, called infection. However, this probability is very low in people who have been vaccinated against HPV.
7- Is HPV vaccine administered during pregnancy?
The HPV vaccine is not recommended to be administered during pregnancy. However, HPV vaccine can be used safely during breastfeeding.
8-What are the side effects of HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is considered the safest vaccine used in the world. No serious side effects of HPV vaccine have been detected in medical studies. After vaccination, pain, redness and swelling can be seen on the skin, and these complaints are short-lived.
9- Does the HPV vaccine protect against cervical cancer?
In studies conducted in countries that routinely receive HPV vaccination, it has been determined that cervical cancer has decreased by 80%.
10- Is it necessary for those who have had the HPV 4 vaccine to have the 9 HPV vaccine?
Those who have had the HPV 4 vaccine can get the new vaccine that protects against 9 types of viruses. However, since the application of the 9-vaccine is very new in the world, studies on this subject have not been fully completed.
11- Is screening necessary before HPV vaccination?
There is no need for pre-vaccination screening, as people with HPV infection can also have the HPV vaccine.
Source: (BYZHA) – Beyaz News Agency
