Humon papillomavirus is the most common virus of the reproductive system in both men and women. Although the virus usually has a good prognosis and passes spontaneously, it can lead to a disease that goes up to cancer. It is responsible for most genital warts.
There are 100 different known types of HPV. 14 of them have been shown to be associated with cancer. Especially HPV-16 and 18 types are the cause of cervical cancer in women. In 2018, 570,000 new cervical cancer diagnoses were diagnosed and approximately 311,000 people died worldwide. HPV can be the cause of cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis and oropharynx outside of the cervix.
WHO recommends HPV vaccination especially for girls aged 9-14, in addition to activities to increase health literacy such as avoiding tobacco products, sexual education appropriate to culture and age. It is stated that vaccination is a cost-effective method in preventing precancerous lesions and cancer in this age group.
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How is the HPV vaccine administered?
A quadrivalent (type-6,11,16,18) in 2006, a bivalent (type-16 and 18) in 2007, and a nanovalent (6,11,16,18,31,33,45) in 2014. Three different vaccines are available, including L1 protein of 9 different types, including 52 and 58).
All three vaccines are produced with recombinant DNA technology and are administered intramuscularly. As of 2017, 71 countries have included HPV vaccine for girls and 11 countries for boys and girls in their vaccination schedules.
All three vaccines are administered in two doses between the ages of 9-14, and as three doses over the age of 14. 1-2.5 months between the first dose and the second dose, and 3-5 months between the second dose and the third dose.
What are the possible side effects after the HPV vaccine?
Redness, pain, fever, weakness, drowsiness may be seen at the injection site. Rarely, it carries the risk of anaphylaxis.
Is HPV used in adults?
A single dose is used in risk groups. WHO recommends HPV vaccine to children and adults in risk groups (military personnel, laboratory workers, travelers to endemic areas, those with weakened immune systems, etc.) to countries with 2/100,000 cases.
Who should not receive the HPV vaccine?
It is not applied to those who have developed a severe allergic reaction at previous doses. It is not applied until the picture heals in diseases progressing with high fever. There is not enough data on its safe use in pregnant women, plan for post-pregnancy.
How is the HPV vaccine stored?
Store at 2-8°C, not frozen. Use as soon as possible after taking it out of the refrigerator.
Bivalent vaccines can be stored outside the refrigerator for 3 days at 8-25 °C and for 1 day at 25-37 °C.
Quadrivalent vaccines can be stored outside the refrigerator at 8-42 °C, and nanovalent vaccines can be stored at 8-25 °C for 3 days.
Protect from direct sunlight.