About HPV (The Human Papilloma Virus)
- It is the biggest cause of cervical cancer
- By the age of 24yrs 40% of women are infected with HPV
- At least 1 in 10 underage girls carries the HPV virus
- Women who are sexually active have an 80% chance of becoming infected with HPV during their lifetime; most cervical cancers are caused by this virus.
What is HPV vaccine?
HPV vaccine is a vaccine which prevents infection with the Human Papilloma Virus (types 16 and 18) which is the main cause of cervical cancer.
What are the benefits of the HPV vaccine?
- Reduces risk of cervical cancer by protecting against the virus HPV which can go on to cause cervical cancer
- Prevents many pre-cancerous conditions which lead to cervical cancer
How effective is the vaccine?
- The vaccine is best administered to girls/women who have NOT been exposed to HPV i.e are virgins. Early studies suggest that the vaccine may be almost 100% effective in preventing type 16 and 18 HPV strain in girls who have never had sexual intercourse.
- In women whose HPV status is unknown, there is still some protection against type 16 and 18 which can lead to CIN. It appears that women already infected with certain strains of HPV may have the risks reduced and the abnormal cell changes can be suppressed or even reversed.
What are the risks / side effects?
- In studies of the HPV vaccine, no serious side effects were reported
- The most commonly reported side effects were pain, swelling, redness around injection site.
- A few patients experienced fever, nausea, dizziness.
Who should have the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is licensed for use in the EU for use from the age of 9 to 26 yrs old.
- Most benefit is to young girls age 9yrs + who have had no sexual contact, and therefore have NOT yet been exposed to HPV.
- Some benefit to sexually active women. Because the vaccine guards against 4 types of the virus, it will provide protection against any variation that has not already been contracted, therefore it is always worth having.
- Mature ladies who have perhaps started new relationships later in life and are not used to using barrier contraception.
How is it given?
- A course of three injections over a six month period. (Injection is into arm or thigh).
How long will the protection last?
As this is a new vaccine the duration of protection is unknown. Further studies are ongoing to determine the need for a booster dose.
Where is the vaccine available?
There are two types of vaccine available. The HPV vaccine available at The Surrey Park Clinic provides comprehensive cover for the HPV virus strains 16, 18, 6 and 11.
NOTE
You should continue to have regular smear tests even if you have had the HPV vaccine. It does not protect against other sexually transmitted diseases not caused by HPV. HPV is not the same virus that causes genital warts.
