Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a group of viruses that is a common sexually transmitted infection. There are more than 100 different types of HPV. Some types of genital HPV may cause genital warts, while other types of genital HPV are linked to abnormal cell changes on the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer and other types of cancers, including; vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, penile cancer,
anal cancer, cancers of tonsils, oropharyngeal cancer.
Types of human papillomavirus
- Low-risk (non-oncogenic types): HPV type 6 and 11, cause about 90% of genital warts
- High-risk (oncogetic types) such as HPV type 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58 and 59 have sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans based on their association with cervical cancer.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are used to protect against cancers caused by HPV infection. Many cancers could be prevented with vaccination.
Three HPV vaccines are now being marketed in Thailand;
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Bivalent vaccine (Cervarix®): highly efficacious in preventing infection with HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases.
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Quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil®): highly efficacious in preventing infection with virus types 16 and 18 and genital warts, a common genital disease which is always caused by infection with HPV types 6 and 11.
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9-valent vaccine (Gardasil-9®): highly efficacious in preventing infection with virus types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 which are responsible for approximately 90% of cervical cancer and genital wart diseases.
Who should get HPV vaccine and when?
- HPV vaccine is recommended for male and female at age 9 or 26 years.
- For adults aged 27 through 45 years, may decide to get the HPV vaccine based on discussion with the clinicians. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, for several reasons, including that more people in this age range have already been exposed to HPV.
Three doses of HPV vaccine are recommended for teens and young adults who start the series at ages 15 or older.
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Dose 1: First shot
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Dose 2: Second shot |
Dose 3: Third shot |
| Start the series as selected date |
Given 1-2 months after the first shot |
Given 6 months after the first shot
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Two doses of HPV vaccine may be given as 2 shots for persons who starting the series before their 15
th birthday. The second dose of HPV vaccine should be given 6 to 12 months after the first dose.
What are the possible side effects of HPV vaccine?
Some people report having mild side effects, like a sore arm. Common side effects of HPV vaccine include: Pain, redness, or swelling at injection site, fever, headache, feeling tired, nausea and muscle or joint pain.
Who should not get HPV vaccine or should wait?
- Patients with severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to a vaccine component.
- Patients with moderate or severe acute illnesses, should wait until the illness improves before getting vaccinated.
- If a woman is pregnant after starting the HPV vaccine series, second and/or third doses should be delayed (HPV vaccine can be given to a person who is breastfeeding).
What to do if missing a dose?
If the vaccination series is interrupted for any length of time, it can be resumed without restarting the series.
Important facts
- Some medicines may affect the effects of vaccination, please let your clinicians or pharmacist know about all medications you are taking.
- HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing HPV infections or diseases. HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV.
- HPV vaccines cannot protect all cases and other HPV strains that are not present in the vaccine.
- Birth control should be used for the first month after complete 3-dose schedule.
- Women who have been vaccinated need to follow the same screening recommendations as unvaccinated women.
Storage
- Refrigerated at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius.
- Do not freeze.
- Protect from light.
References
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Last modify: January 14, 2025