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Explore the efficacy, recommendations, and safety of HPV vaccination with Meri Sehat. Prioritize preventive measures for your health.

HPV Vaccination: Efficacy, Recommendations, And Safety

Introduction

Nearly 99% of cervical cases, for instance, are linked to <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/human-papillomavirus-hpv">human papillomavirus</a>, or HPV, with two types of HPV (16 and 18) in particular accounting for around 50% of high-grade cervical pre-cancers<a href="#accordion">[5][6]</a>. There is also a significant association between HPV and cancers of the head and neck.

In addition to these high-risk types of HPV, other types cause conditions like genital warts or warts on the vocal cords or voice box. Some types of HPV (e.g., 6 and 11) cause lesions in the genitalia, but they are not considered carcinogenic and are, therefore, low-risk.

This article will discuss the latest research on HPV vaccination, including its efficacy, safety, and impact on public health. 
&nbsp;

Understanding HPV vaccination

HPV vaccines safeguard against the widespread sexually transmitted virus HPV (human papillomavirus), which infects over 50% of sexually active individuals. Although the body can clear the virus on its own, persistent infection poses risks of cervical, anal, and throat cancers, as well as genital warts.

In the United States, three HPV vaccines have been approved for use: Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix. Currently, Gardasil 9 is the only vaccine used in the U.S., while the others are available in different countries.

It is important to note that HPV vaccines, like all vaccines, are not completely infallible. They do not protect against all 100-plus types of HPV. However, they have a nearly 100% efficacy rate in preventing diseases caused by high-risk HPV strains, which account for 90% of cervical cancers and numerous other cancers affecting the vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and throat.

It&#39;s worth mentioning that the HPV vaccine contains a virus-like particle, not the actual virus itself. While Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix are all approved HPV vaccines, only Gardasil 9 is currently utilized in the United States, while the others are available in different countries. 
&nbsp;

There are over 100 types of HPV, with approximately 40 of them affecting the genital area. Most people will contract an HPV infection at some point in their lives, and their bodies will naturally get rid of it without treatment.

However, some people who have been infected with a high-risk type of HPV will not be able to recover. Untreated infections can lead to abnormal tissue growth and other changes, leading to cancer. 
&nbsp;

The most effective timing for HPV vaccinations is before HPV exposure. As a result, the WHO suggests immunizing girls between the age of 9 and 14 to prevent cervical cancer as the majority of them are not sexually active.

The WHO&rsquo;s updated recommendations for girls and women, especially, include:

<ul>
	<li>9-14 years &ndash; a one or two-dose schedule</li>
	<li>15-20 years &ndash; a one or two-dose schedule</li>
	<li>21+ &ndash; two doses within a 6-month interval 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Other than that, it&rsquo;s recommended that:

<ul>
	<li>Teens and young adults up to the age of 26 who did not begin or complete the HPV vaccine series should get HPV vaccination as well.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>People with weakened immune systems aged 9 to 26 should get three doses.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Adults aged 27 to 45 who have not been vaccinated may get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor. HPV vaccination provides less benefit in this age group because more people in this age group have already been exposed to HPV. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Vaccines, like any other medication, can have side effects. Many people who get the HPV vaccine have no adverse effects. Some people have reported minor side effects, such as a sore arm from the shot. 
 
The following are the most common HPV vaccine side effects:

<ul>
	<li>Pain, redness, or swelling in the arm from where the shot was administered</li>
	<li>Fever</li>
	<li>Dizziness</li>
	<li>Headache</li>
	<li>Nausea</li>
	<li>Pain in the muscles or joints 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Severe (anaphylactic) allergic reactions to vaccination are extremely rare.

Note: Adolescents should be seated or lying down during vaccination and for 15 minutes after getting the shot to avoid fainting and injuries from fainting. 
&nbsp;

HPV vaccination is NOT recommended for pregnant women. Also, certain HPV vaccines are NOT recommended in the following instances:

<ul>
	<li>The individual had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any component of an HPV vaccine or to a previous dose of the HPV vaccine</li>
	<li>The individual is allergic to yeast or latex</li>
	<li>The individual is mildly or severely ill 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Note: You can still benefit from the HPV vaccine even if you have been infected by a particular strain of HPV. It won&rsquo;t treat the existing HPV infection, but it will protect you from other strains of HPV that you haven&rsquo;t been exposed to yet. Always consult your doctor before getting a shot. 
&nbsp;

The effectiveness of HPV vaccination has been extensively researched and supported by numerous randomized controlled trials. In particular, the vaccine has been shown to reduce the occurrence of precancerous cervix lesions by up to 90%<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. 
&nbsp;

The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) reviewed the safety data for all available HPV vaccines and found no evidence of serious adverse events associated with the vaccine. 
&nbsp;

Despite the proven efficacy and safety of HPV vaccination, the vaccine is still not widely available in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the burden of HPV-related cancers is highest.

Unfortunately, Pakistan lacks a formalized program for the detection and evaluation of HPV-related malignancies<a href="#accordion">[7]</a>. The high cost of the vaccine, a lack of public awareness, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure are some factors contributing to low vaccination rates in LMICs. 
&nbsp;

The vaccine protects against HPV infection for at least 10 years.However, because the HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, it is critical that all women who receive the HPV vaccine also undergo regular cervical screening after the age of 25. 
&nbsp;

Conclusion

HPV vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect against HPV-related cancers and genital warts. The public health impact of HPV vaccination has been demonstrated in countries such as Australia and the United States. However, greater vaccine awareness and availability are required in LMICs. Governments and healthcare organizations must collaborate to expand access to HPV vaccination and reduce the global incidence of HPV-related cancers. 
&nbsp;

Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>The HPV vaccination, which has been available on the market for more than 10 years, offers a defense against the most prevalent HPV types that cause genital warts and cancer.</li>
	<li>The WHO advises immunizing girls between the ages of 9 and 14 to prevent cervical cancer.</li>
</ul>

[1] Diseases, N. C. f. I. a. R., 2021. CDC.

[2] Elmar A. Joura, M. A. R. G., 2015. NEJM group

[3] Mélanie Drolet PhD a b †, É. B. B., 2015. Science Direct

[4] Rao, H.-L., 2012. Increased Intratumoral Neutrophil in Colorectal Carcinomas Correlates Closely with Malignant Phenotype and Predicts Patients' Adverse Prognosis

[5] Cervical cancer. World Health Organization.

[6] Cervical cancer. World Health Organization

[7] Burney A, Zafar R. HPV Vaccination as a Mode of Cervical Cancer Prevention in Pakistan. South Asian J Cancer. 2023 Feb 25;12(1):51-52. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1764211. PMID: 36851930; PMCID: PMC9966174.