HPV vaccine (against HPV - human papillomavirus) protects against cervical cancer, as well as against genital warts. Vaccination against HPV protects not only against cervical cancer and condylomas, but also partially against vaginal and vulvar cancers, for which HPV is responsible in more than 50%. Clinical trials show that the HPV vaccine is 100 percent effective. However, the vaccine should be received in good time. When? These and other questions are answered by prof. dr hab. med. Jan Kotarski, head of the 1st Department of Gynecological Oncology and Gynecology in Lublin.

The HPV vaccine (against HPV- human papillomavirus) is an effective method of preventing infections caused by the major genital types of HPV, responsible for most cases of cervical and genital cancers.Vaccination against HPVeffectively prevents infections with human papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16 and 18. These oncogenic types (16 and 18) are responsible for 70 percent of cervical cancer cases worldwide . Clinical trials show that the HPV vaccine is very effective. However, it should be accepted in good time.

HPV vaccine protects against cervical cancer and more

- Cervical cancer prevention has a very long history. The breakthrough in this field was the cytological test, which was its basis for over 50 years - says Prof. Jan Kotarski, gynecologist and oncologist, head of the 1st Department of Gynecological Oncology and Gynecology at the Medical University of Lublin.

Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing infection with oncogenic types of HPV (while maintaining a normal sexual life).

- In many countries, however, for example in the USA, preventive examinations are quite different, they are much more advanced. Their element is molecular tests identifying HPV, thanks to which we know whether a patient who, for example, has an erosion, is at risk of oncology or not - emphasizes the expert. - In the USA, it is molecular testing that complements cytology, but does not replace it. If the test result shows that we are not dealing with HPV, then the next cytology can be performed not in a year, but even in 5 years.In Australia, however, HPV vaccination is an element of primary prevention. These are population vaccinations, which means that anyone can get vaccinated, but not obligatory. Both girls and boys are vaccinated there, and scientists are already observing the statistical positive effects of this vaccination. Cervical cancer is the only cancer that can be prevented by vaccination - adds prof. Kotarski.

In addition, the HPV vaccine also protects against genital warts, and partially against vaginal and vulvar cancers, for which HPV is responsible in more than 50%.

HPV vaccine - indications

Vaccination should be done before sexual activity, preferably between 11 and 12 years of age. However, the HPV vaccine is not only for teenagers. - Every vaccinated woman will benefit from vaccination individually, regardless of age - says Prof. Kotarski. - But from the point of view of epidemiology and pharmacoeconomics, i.e. recalculation of treatment costs per year of a woman's life, vaccinating younger people simply gives better population results. If we want to eliminate the disease in society, young people, both boys and girls, should be vaccinated. But any woman of any age can get vaccinated. It is best to talk to the gynecologist on this subject individually - adds the expert.

According to an expertprof. Jan Kotarski, gynecologist and oncologist, head of the 1st Department of Gynecology, Oncology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin

How effective is the HPV vaccination?

The issue of vaccine efficacy is both very important and complex. There is always a small percentage of people with any vaccine who respond poorly to the vaccine, which may mean that more doses are required. In the case of HPV, this group is counted in per mille, so fortunately it is small. The second question is what we want to prevent through vaccination. Ultimately, it is, of course, cervical cancer, but sometimes we have to wait many years for the vaccination effect, so it is easier to observe the number of precancerous conditions that always precede the appearance of the disease. Vaccinations must therefore be combined with pap smear tests. Today it can be concluded that in terms of population, those countries that vaccinate against HPV are seeing great success and a reduction in the number of pre-cancer states. This is the case in countries where the number of vaccinated people is over 60% of the population. So it can be concluded that this vaccine is effective. Is it possible to estimate the effectiveness inpercent? Approximately, of course, such data can be provided. There is no vaccine on the market that covers all types of oncogenic viruses. A bivalent vaccine is available that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, a quadrivalent vaccine that contains virus antigens 16 and 18, and genital warts types 6 and 11 are available. Over 70% of all cervical cancers are associated with them. We also have a 9 valent vaccine on the market, where there are additionally 5 types of the virus, which have been selected in terms of their frequency of occurrence. This vaccine protects against 90% of all cervical cancers.

The HPV vaccine prevents 70 percent. cervical cancers

Source: lifestyle.newseria.pl

HPV vaccine - who should be vaccinated and when?

According to the decision of the European Commission, the Silgard vaccine is indicated for boys and girls aged 9-15 years, women from 16 to 45 years of age, men from 16 to 26 years of age.

Vaccination, however, does not change the course of an acquired infection. For this reason, the vaccine cannot treat existing genital warts or developing cervical cancer.

Complete vaccination consists of 3 doses of each vaccine administered by intramuscular injection into the arm. The second dose is given 1-2 months after the first, the third dose 6 months after the first. Vaccination should be completed within a year. The same vaccine should be used for all 3 doses, as both vaccines differ significantly in composition and there is no data on interchangeability of the two products.

HPV vaccine - side effects and complications

The most common side effects of HPV vaccine administration are:

  • injection site pain
  • fever
  • fainting

In addition, allergies and sometimes even Guillain-Barré syndrome (inflammation of the nerves) have been found.

Some people feel that the HPV vaccine may have other side effects. The reservations mainly apply to Gardasil. As we learn from the documentary "De Vaccinerede Piger", more than 1,000 cases of side effects have been reported in Denmark following the administration of Gardasil, including 283 serious ones. The latter include, inter alia, POTS - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. The main symptoms of the disease are persistent orthostatic tachycardia, which is an increase in heart rate of at least 30 beats / min for at least 10 minutes after standing.This causes symptoms such as dizziness, fainting as well as headache, chest pain and weakness. Symptoms of POTS appear clearly after taking a standing position and disappear or decrease in severity in the supine position. Vaccination against HPV is also to be the cause of CRPS - Regional Chronic Pain Syndrome. The European Medicines Agency argues that there is no reason to believe that these diseases are associated with vaccination against HPV infections.

Worth knowing

Does HPV vaccination cause premature ovarian failure and immune system dysfunction

The American Academy of Pediatrics has unequivocally stated that there is no link between the incidence of premature ovarian failure and HPV vaccination. Similarly, with regard to disorders of the immune system - the probability of disorders is the same in vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

Should HPV vaccinations be mandatory in Poland?

Source: x-news.pl/Dzień Dobry TVN

What vaccines against the human papillomavirus are available in Poland? What is their price?There are 3 different vaccines against human papillomavirus in Poland in the form of injections for intramuscular administration:

  • Cervarix against 2 carcinogenic types of the virus: HPV16 and HPV18. Price - approx. PLN 400 (one dose)
  • Silgard against 4 types of virus, including the two carcinogenic types HPV16 and HPV18 and the two types HPV6 and HPV11 responsible for genital warts (genital warts). Price - approx. PLN 400 (one dose)
  • Gardasil 9 - against 7 carcinogenic types of HPV (HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58) and two types of HPV6 and HPV11 responsible for genital warts (genital warts). Price - approx. PLN 500 (one dose)

All vaccines listed require 3 doses. Each one is available on prescription.

The article uses the following materials: szczucersiewiedza.pl

Category:

Oncology