HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is one of the most common and most dangerous sexually transmitted infections (STDs). It is one of the most dangerous because it leads to more serious health issues like cancer when left untreated. HPV is one of the leading causes of some types of cancer like cervical cancer and penile cancer. As an STD, HPV is transmitted through a sexual activity like oral, vaginal and anal sex. Getting the HPV vaccine is very important, and your age is very significant. People between the ages of 11 to 26 are most suitable for the vaccine. Notwithstanding, people older than 26 can still get the vaccine.
Besides these methods of transmission, it can also be transmitted through other forms of sexual activity like hand-to-genitals contact or sexual exploration that involves contact with the skin.
Fortunately, with the introduction of the HPV vaccine, you can be protected from some strains of the HPV virus and ultimately be protected from the types of cancer they cause. The HPV vaccine is more effective if it is administered before the person is involved in sexual activities, and because of this, it is advisable for children between the ages of 11 and 12 to get vaccinated. Notwithstanding, children as young as 9 can get vaccinated; likewise, adults as old as 26 can get it too. Contact us if you need an HPV vaccine for adults or children.
What is the HPV vaccine?
One of the most common types of the vaccine is Gardasil 9. This vaccine is administered in a series of two or three shots, and it protects you against certain strains of HPV that are high risk, like HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and HPV 58. With over 100 strains of HPV, it is surprising that only about 14 of them can cause cancer.
When a person is exposed to high strains of HPV, he or she can develop precancerous lesions or cancerous lesions. Of the 14 strains of HPV likely to cause cancer, the main culprits for cervical cancer are the HPV 16 strain and the HPV 18 strain. The other high-risk strains of HPV cause other types of cancer and also cause genital warts.
Who needs to get an HPV vaccine?
Everyone needs an HPV vaccine; however, in some areas and countries, it is mandatory for school attendance.
What is the recommended age for the HPV vaccine?
According to CDC (Centre for Disease Control and prevention), any child of age 11 or 12 can and should get the HPV vaccine. The vaccine can equally be administered to children of 9 years. The main reason why the recommended age for vaccination is early is for the children to be safely protected from HPV even before they begin to get involved in any sexual activity. If there was no vaccination early in life, people aged 26 and below can still get vaccinated.
Note that the vaccine can still be administered to people aged 27 – 45.
What is the recommended schedule for doses of the HPV vaccine?
As stated earlier, the doses of the HPV vaccine are administered in a series of two or three shots. The schedule for the shots of the vaccine is as follows;
- Children aged 15 and below are to be given two or three doses. If two doses are to be administered, then the second dose should follow 6-12 months after the first dose. A third dose can only be given if the second dose was administered less than 5 months after the first dose.
- Teenagers and young adults from the age of 16 – 26 should get three doses. The second dose should be administered about a month or two after the first dose, and the third one should follow at 6 months after the first dose.
- For people who are immunocompromised and aged 9-26, they should also get three doses, and the schedule should be the same as the one for young adults.
What are the benefits associated with getting an HPV vaccine?
In some cases, the HPV can clear out on its own and completely leave the body. The reason for this is not known, but in cases where it does not disappear on its own, it can lead to other health issues like cancer or genital warts.
For this reason, it is important to get the vaccine, as it can prevent issues like
- Cancer (cervical, vaginal, anal and penile cancer)
- Genital warts
- Oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer, otherwise known as cancer of the throat.
What are the risks or side effects of the HPV vaccine?
There may be some mild effects associated with the HPV vaccine. If you get the vaccine, you may experience some or more of the following at the injection point;
- Lumps
- Itching
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Bruising
- Redness
Besides the effects that you may experience at the injection point, the vaccine can cause some effects in the body, such as;
- Fever
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Fainting
- Dizziness
Who should not get the HPV vaccine?
Although it has been stated that everyone should get the vaccine, some situations will prevent certain individuals from getting vaccinated. For starters, pregnant women are not allowed to have the vaccine. This is because the vaccine and its effects were not studied in pregnant women, and thus, it is unknown if the vaccine can affect the growing foetus.
Secondly, people who are ill are advised not to get the vaccine yet, at least until they have fully recovered. Furthermore, people who are allergic to yeast or people who experience sensitivity to yeast are advised not to take the vaccine because certain components of the vaccine are produced in yeast.
Finally, people who reacted strongly to the first dose or those who experienced a strong allergic reaction to the first dose are not advised to take the second or third dose.
Conclusion
Getting the HPV vaccine guarantees that you will not be infected with the HPV, as well as the type of cancer associated with it. This is the reason why it is better to have children vaccinated even before they attain sexual maturity. Visit Medical Express Clinic today and inquire about their HPV vaccination service. Reach out to us today for more information.