HPV Vaccine: Age, Schedule, Benefits, and Side Effects

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that causes infections like skin and mucous membrane growths. In some cases, it leads to cervical cancer. HPV is an infection that garners equal buzz in medical and social circles. The good news is the HPV vaccine can serve as a potent shield against HPV, protecting you from dangerous cancers and genital warts. Here is a spotlight on its value and benefits.

‍

What Is the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is an immunisation against certain types of HPV that are known to lead to cancer and genital warts. Though the vaccine prevents infections, it is not a treatment. If you are already exposed to any strain of HPV, the vaccine cannot heal it.

The HPV vaccine can protect you from any strains that your body has not fought before, both high-risk and low-risk ones. There is a possibility that the high-risk ones will become cancerous. Low-risk ones may not lead to cancer but can cause discomfort.

The HPV vaccine can prevent infections that can lead to cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. It can also prevent infections that may lead to genital warts.

‍

The vaccine provides protection against the following types of HPV.‍

HPV Type	Significance
‍16 and 18	80% of cervical cancer cases
6 and 11	90% of genital wart cases
31, 33, 45, 52 and 58	Associated with cancer of the anus, vulva, vagina and throat

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is designed to protect people between the ages of 9 and 45 from cancers and genital warts.

For children: Your doctor might recommend you wait until your child is around 11 or 12, on the threshold of puberty, to administer the vaccine, to protect them before they advance into their sexually active years. Studies show the earlier you get the vaccine, the more effective it is. So, don’t let the thought of your child being too young hold you back from securing them against the condition. The sooner, the better.
For adults: Those who are up to the age of 45 should opt for the HPV vaccine. According to a study, those with HPV infections under the age of 45 had a positive impact with the vaccine.

Who Should Not Get the HPV vaccine?

You should not get the vaccine for cervical cancer in some cases. If you are:

Have any prevailing illness: If you are suffering from any form of illness, it is better to check with your doctor before taking the HPV vaccine. In general, you need to be healthy to take this vaccine.
Had a reaction to the previous dose: If you had any reaction to a previous dose, inform your doctor. Also, highlight any allergies or adverse reactions you may have to any form of medicine.
Pregnant: There is no conclusive evidence that approves or denies you from taking the vaccine when you are pregnant. Based on the recommendations, the minimum age for a child to get this vaccine is 9; it is not ideal to expose your baby to it.

Benefits of Getting the HPV Vaccine

Here are the benefits of getting the cervical cancer vaccine:

Individual Benefits:

There is a 90% efficiency against any HPV types when the vaccine is given before exposure
There is long-lasting immunity against the infection spanning 12+ years
Protects against genital warts too - reduced them by 88% in teenage girls
Peace of mind for getting protection against preventable cancers.

Community Benefits:

When the entire community is vaccinated, the spread of HPV is reduced
Reduces the need for cancer treatments for the types covered by this vaccine, thus saving costs and freeing up the medical facility for other diseases or infections that do not have a vaccine
A step towards India’s goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

What Are the Side Effects of the HPV Vaccine?

If you anticipate a flurry of HPV vaccine long-term side effects in females, you can breathe easy. Seek comfort in knowing that the vaccine is absolutely safe and usually presents minimum side effects. So, if you spot a little redness and feel some pain at the site of the injection, hang in there and keep your chin up! This too shall pass.

Can the HPV Vaccine Treat an Existing HPV Infection?

Unfortunately not. An HPV vaccine is a tool for prevention, not a cure. If you’ve already received an HPV diagnosis, speak to your doctor about seeking a treatment plan for your infection.

‍Does an HPV Vaccine Secure Me Against Cervical Cancer?

‍HPV isn’t the only cause of cervical cancer, nor does the HPV vaccine cover all types of HPV. This is why it’s important that you’re regular with your gynaecological examinations and Pap tests to keep cervical and other cancers at bay. The HPV vaccine is like an insurance policy that gives you comprehensive coverage against the most menacing forms of HPV. If you haven’t taken out your policy yet, there’s no better time than now. Go ahead and protect your most precious asset – your body – with the HPV vaccine.

‍Must read - What are the early warning signs of cervical cancer?

‍

‍

‍Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.‍

Want to consult the best Maternity Packages in India? Please find the links below.

Get the right solution today

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Maternity

Gynaecology

Fertility

Neonatal Care

Paediatric Care

NICU

PICU

Radiology

Physiotherapy

Nutrition and Dietetics

Breastfeeding Support

Allied Services

Stem Cell Banking

Bengaluru

Chandigarh

Chennai

Faridabad

Ghaziabad

Gurugram

Hyderabad

Jalandhar

Lucknow

Ludhiana

Mumbai

New Delhi

Noida

Panchkula

Pune

Cosmetic Gynecology

Understanding Ovarian Cysts: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Inverted Nipples: Signs, Causes & Treatment

Recent Articles

What Are the Signs Your Milk Supply Is Decreasing

Is it Normal for Menstruation to Last 1 or 2 Days

Chia Seeds During Pregnancy: Benefits and Side Effects

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HPV vaccine given for?

The HPV vaccine's full form is human papillomavirus. It is given as protection against certain types of cancers, like cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. It is for protection from infections like genital warts. It is a highly effective vaccine that builds a strong immune response in the body when the vaccine is given much before exposure to the virus.

Should I get the HPV vaccine at 30?

Yes, you should get the HPV vaccine if you are 30, as the age range for this vaccine is between 9 and 45 years. It is most effective when it is given a few years before the sexually active years. Still, you can take the vaccine at 30, as it can protect you against strains your body has not been exposed to yet.

What causes HPV in females?

HPV in females is caused by a virus that is transmitted through direct, intimate skin-to-skin contact, especially through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It is the most common infection that can be transmitted between sexual partners. It can lead to genital warts or serious cancers like cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer.

Should every girl take the HPV vaccine?

Yes, many health organisations in India and around the world recommend the HPV vaccine for every girl and boy to take it. The ideal age for this vaccine is between 11 to 12, but can give it as early as 9. It can prevent 90% cervical cancers and other HPV-related cancers. The best protection is when it is given much before exposure to the strain.