HPV Vaccine
What is HPV (Human Papillomavirus)?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infects approximately 14 million people every year, including young people. While most HPV infections heal on their own, infections that do not heal can lead to genital warts and certain types of cancer. About 32,500 people develop a cancer caused by HPV every year. It is very important that children are vaccinated against HPV from the age of 9. Vaccines can protect a child when they are administered before exposure to the causative agent of the disease.
Why is the HPV Vaccine Administered?
The following diseases can be prevented with the HPV vaccine:- Cervical cancer in women
- Vaginal and vulvar cancers in women
- Anal cancer in women and men
- Throat cancer in women and men
- Penile cancer in men
- Possible warts on the body
How Is HPV Transmitted?
HPV infection is mostly transmitted through sexual contact and most people are infected with HPV at some stage in their lives. Most infections heal on their own without causing serious problems. However, thousands of women and men can develop cancer or other HPV-related diseases.Does the HPV Vaccine Cause Disease?
The vaccine is created from a protein from the virus and is non-infectious, meaning it cannot cause HPV infection or cancer.Is the HPV Vaccine Administered to Children?
Children can be vaccinated against HPV starting from the age of 9. Vaccines can protect the child when administered before exposure to the causative agent of the disease. Therefore, sufficient time must be spared for the child to gain immunity by administering this vaccine before getting infected with the virus.What is the recommended HPV Vaccine Dose?
The recommended vaccination schedule is to administer 2 doses of vaccine with an interval of 6-12 months for patients at the age of 11-12. Individuals over the age of 15 are recommended to receive 3 doses of vaccine within a 6-month period (0-1/2nd month-6th month).Is the HPV Vaccine Administered to Male Children?
HPV vaccine prevents the development of many HPV-related diseases in men, such as penile cancer, anal cancer, throat cancer and warts formation.Does the HPV Vaccine Protect?
Studies that have been going on for about 10 years show that the level of protection remains high in individuals who get the HPV vaccine.Is the HPV Vaccine Safe?
HPV vaccine is a safe vaccine.What are the Side Effects of the HPV Vaccine?
Some side effects may be observed after the HPV vaccination, just like it is the case with after the administration of any kind of medication. Although these side effects are very rare, they are mostly mild effects like;- Pain at the injection site
- Local side effects such as redness and swelling
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Headache
Does the HPV Vaccine Cause Allergies?
As with any medication, allergic reactions may occur after the HPV vaccine. You should not leave the healthcare facility for 15-30 minutes after vaccination. After this process, the possibility of developing an allergic reaction is lower, in such a case, it is necessary to apply to the emergency department of the nearest health institution.As with any medication, the chance of a vaccine causing a serious allergic reaction is very low. If you have had an allergic reaction to any substance, medication, food or vaccine before, you should definitely inform your doctor before the vaccination.
Does the HPV Vaccine Cause Infertility?
There is no evidence to suggest that the HPV vaccine causes fertility problems. However, not getting the HPV vaccine leaves people vulnerable to HPV cancers and precancerous lesions.Women who develop precancerous lesions or cancer caused by HPV may need treatment that might limit their ability to have children, such as hysterectomy, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Treatment of cervical precancerous lesions may cause problems that may lead to premature birth in women.