Why have the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine prevents infections that can cause cancers including cervical cancer, as well as mouth, anal, penile, vulval and vaginal cancer. It also protects against genital warts. The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting infected with Human Papillomavirus, a common virus that’s spread through skin contact (usually when having sexual intercourse).
The HPV vaccination programme is incredibly successful and has already led to an 87% decrease in cervical cancer incidence in women in their 20s in the UK.
What is the HPV vaccine?
It is not a live vaccine and cannot cause HPV. We vaccinate using Gardasil 9 which helps protect against 9 types of HPV. The vaccine protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which are the cause of more than 80% of cervical cancers. The vaccine also protects against types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58, which cause an additional 15% of cervical cancers. The vaccine also protects against 2 other types of HPV. These cause around 90% of cases of genital warts.
Who should have the HPV vaccine?
All boys and girls aged 11 or 12 are recommended to have the HPV vaccination. But HPV vaccines are approved for use and effective in boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 45, so please do discuss individual schedules and needs with Dr Bluett.
Why vaccinate boys?
It protects against some types of throat, mouth, penile and anal cancers which HPV have been linked to. It protects against genital warts. Importantly, vaccinating boys against HPV reduces the likelihood of HPV transmission, therefore increasing herd immunity and reducing the risk of cervical cancer in women.
How is the HPV vaccine given?
The CDC (US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) recommend:
- Those aged 9-14: Two doses of the HPV given 6- 12 months apart
- Those aged 15-26: Three doses of the HPV vaccine given at 0, 1 and 6 months.
- Those aged over 26: Three doses as well, but to be discussed on an individual basis
Who can not have the HPV vaccine?
- Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine component or following a previous dose of HPV vaccine
- Anyone allergic to yeast or latex
- Anyone who is pregnant is recommended to wait until after delivery ( you can have the HPV vaccine when breastfeeding)
- If you have a fever or are unwell, you should wait until the symptoms improve
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
HPV vaccines are very safe and all the scientific research shows the benefits far outweigh the potential risk. Like any vaccination it can cause mild pain, swelling or redness at the site of the injection for a couple of days. Rarely, some people may feel dizzy or faint after the injection and we suggest sitting for 15 minutes following it. Rarely, some may have some nausea, muscle pain or fatigue for a couple of days following it.
For vaccination bookings with our Family Medicine Consultant Dr Lindsey Bluett and Practice Nurse Carol Lindsay, please call or WhatsApp us on 0504233302.
