Everything You Need to Know About the Human Papillomavirus
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 80% of sexually active individuals will encounter HPV at some point in their lives. Most of the time, the immune system eliminates the virus; however, in some cases, persistent infections develop, which can lead to serious health problems. This is precisely where the HPV vaccine comes in as the most powerful weapon for protection.
What is HPV?
HPV is a family of viruses with over 200 different types. Some of these types can cause genital warts (condylomas), while others can cause cervical, penile, anal, vaginal, and throat cancers. HPV types are generally classified into two groups:
- Low-risk HPV types: These usually cause genital warts (e.g. HPV 6 and 11).
- High-risk HPV types: These are associated with cancer development (e.g. HPV 16 and 18, responsible for 70% of cervical cancers).
What is the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is a protective vaccine that provides immunity against the most common and most dangerous types of HPV. It contains particles of the virus but is not disease-causing. This allows the immune system to recognise the virus and neutralise it if encountered in the future.
There are three types of HPV vaccines currently in use:
- Bivalent vaccine (Cervarix®): Protects against HPV 16 and 18.
- Quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil®): Protects against HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18.
- Nonavalent vaccine (Gardasil 9®): Provides protection against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, as well as types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.
Gardasil 9® offers the most comprehensive protection.
Why is the HPV Vaccine Administered?
The HPV vaccine was developed to protect both women and men from serious health problems.
- Protection against cervical cancer: HPV causes 99% of cervical cancers. The vaccine greatly reduces this cancer risk.
- Protection against other cancers: It is also associated with cancers of the penis, anus, vagina, vulva, and throat. The vaccine also protects against these cancers.
- Protection against genital warts: HPV types 6 and 11 are responsible for 90% of warts. The vaccine prevents this risk.
- Benefits for public health: Widespread vaccination reduces the spread of HPV infection in the community and lowers cancer rates in the long term.
Who Should Receive the HPV Vaccine?
- Children and adolescents:
The World Health Organisation and many health authorities recommend that girls and boys receive the HPV vaccine between the ages of 9 and 14. This is because the immune system responds most effectively at this age and sexual activity has not yet begun.
- Adults:
Anyone up to the age of 26 can be vaccinated. For individuals aged 27–45, it can be administered based on a doctor’s decision according to personal risk factors.
- Difference for women and men:
Previously recommended only for women, the vaccine is now also recommended for men. This is because men are also at risk of HPV-related cancer and warts, and vaccinating men is critical to breaking the chain of transmission.
How many doses of the HPV vaccine are required?
- Ages 9–14: 2 doses (6 months apart)
- Ages 15 and older: 3 doses (at 0, 2 and 6 months)
Completing the full course of doses increases protection.
Is the HPV Vaccine Safe?
The HPV vaccine has been administered to millions of people since 2006 and its safety has been proven repeatedly. Side effects are generally mild:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever
- Headache, fatigue
The risk of serious side effects is extremely low. Health authorities (WHO, CDC, FDA) consistently confirm that the HPV vaccine is safe.
What Should Be Considered After the HPV Vaccine?
- It is beneficial to wait 15 minutes at the clinic after the vaccine (against the risk of fainting).
- The dosage schedule should not be interrupted.
- The vaccine does not replace regular smear tests. Women should not neglect their gynaecological check-ups after the vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the HPV Vaccine
- Can the HPV vaccine be administered after becoming sexually active?
Yes, it can. However, administering it before exposure to the virus provides the most effective protection.
- Is the risk of contracting HPV zero after vaccination?
No. The vaccine protects against the most common and dangerous types, but not all HPV types. Nevertheless, it greatly reduces the risk of cancer.
- Is the HPV vaccine necessary for men too?
Absolutely yes. HPV-related cancers and warts can also occur in men. Furthermore, vaccinating men helps protect women too.
- I have been vaccinated, do I still need to have a smear test?
Yes. Although the vaccine is very effective, regular smear (PAP smear) tests are still necessary for early diagnosis.
- Can the HPV vaccine be administered during pregnancy?
No. It is not recommended during pregnancy. Doses should be postponed until after pregnancy.
Conclusion
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections of our time and can lead to serious health problems, including cancer. The HPV vaccine is the most powerful protection we have against these risks. When administered at an early age and correctly, it has the potential to significantly reduce the burden of cancer on society.
👉 You can also consult a specialist doctor to find out about the HPV vaccination programme that is appropriate for your age and health condition.