11 questions and answers about the HPV vaccine
Who can the HPV vaccine be administered to?
The HPV vaccine, which offers a high level of protection against cervical cancer, can be administered to any woman from the age of 9 with no upper limit. The HPV vaccine is given to men up to age 26. All men between the ages of 9 and 26 can receive the HPV vaccine.
2-How many doses of HPV vaccine should be used?
HPV vaccine is a 3-dose vaccine. The second dose is given 1 month after the first dose. The last dose of vaccine should be given 5 months after the second dose. For children up to age 14, a single dose of HPV vaccine is sufficient. After the age of 15 years, 3 doses of the vaccine are required, as in adults. In children between 13 and early 15 years, 2 doses of the vaccine are sufficient.
3- How many types of HPV does the HPV vaccine protect against?
There are many types of HPV. Some of these HPV types cause cervical cancer and others cause genital warts. Until recently, the quadruple HPV vaccine was administered in Turkey. Instead of the quadruple vaccine that protects against HPV type 6, HPV type 11, HPV type 16 and HPV type 18, vaccines are now being produced in Turkey that protect against 9 types of HPV. In addition to the quadruple vaccine, the new vaccine also provides protection against HPV type 31, HPV type 33, HPV type 45, HPV type 52 and HPV type 53.
4-Are the Doses the Same in the New HPV Vaccine?
The dosing schedule of the new vaccine that provides protection against 9 types of HPV virus remains unchanged. It can be administered in 3 doses, as with the quadruple HPV vaccine.
5- Is it possible to get vaccinated in people infected with HPV?
People who are infected with HPV can also get vaccinated against HPV. Even if the HPV virus has entered the body, the immunity created by the HPV vaccine is higher than that of self-transmitted people. Immunity from the HPV vaccine lasts about 25 years.
6- Can people infected with HPV get the HPV virus again?
People who have been treated with HPV can subsequently become infected with the HPV virus again. There is a risk of reinfection of the HPV virus, called infection. However, this chance is very small in people who have been vaccinated against HPV.
7- Is the HPV vaccine administered during pregnancy?
It is not recommended to administer the HPV vaccine during pregnancy. However, the HPV vaccine can be safely used during breastfeeding.
8-What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is considered the safest vaccine used in the world. No serious side effects of the HPV vaccine have been discovered in medical studies. After vaccination, pain, redness and swelling can be seen on the skin and these complaints are short-lived.
9- Does the HPV vaccine protect against cervical cancer?
In studies conducted in countries that routinely receive HPV vaccination, cervical cancer has been found to be reduced by 80%.
10- Is it necessary for those who have had the HPV 4 vaccine to get the 9 HPV vaccine?
Those who have had the HPV 4 vaccine can receive the new vaccine that protects against 9 types of viruses. However, since the application of the 9 vaccine in the world is very new, studies on this topic are not yet fully completed.
11- Is screening necessary prior to HPV vaccination?
No pre-vaccination screening is necessary, as people with HPV infection can also receive the HPV vaccine.