9-valent HPV Vaccine (3 doses) (aged 15 or above)

Details

What is Gardasil 9 vaccine?

It is a nine-valent Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (9vHPV) that protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.These 9 types account for about 80-90% of HPV related cancers and diseases. Based on epidemiology studies, Gardasil 9 is anticipated to have 97% efficacy against HPV 6, 11, 16, 18 precancerous or dysplastic cervical diseases.

What is human papillomavirus?

HPV is a group of viruses which can infect the genital areas of men and women mainly through sexual contact. It is an important cause of cervical cancer and is also associated with other types of genital cancer.

Studies suggest that up to 75% of all sexually active people will eventually be infected with HPV some time in their lives. Most people who become infected with HPV do not have symptoms and the infection clears on its own. Cervical cancer may develop if there is persistent infection of the high risk HPV.

Why get vaccinated?

HPV vaccine prevents infection with human HPV types that are associated with many cancers, including:

• cervical cancer in females,
• vaginal and vulvar cancers in females,
• anal cancer in females and males,
• throat cancer in females and males, and penile cancer in males.

In addition, HPV vaccine prevents infection with HPV types that cause genital warts in both females and males.

Who are suitable for HPV vaccination and how is the HPV vaccine given?

Most adolescents 9 through 14 years of age should get HPV vaccine as a two-dose series is given at 0 and 6 months.

People who start HPV vaccination at 15 years of age and older should get the vaccine as a three-dose series with the second dose given 1-2 months after the first dose and the third dose given 6 months after the first dose.

The vaccine is most effective in women who have never been exposed to HPV-16 and HPV-18 infections.

For the HPV vaccine to work best, it is important to complete the vaccination before the commencement of sexual activity. It does not treat or cure HPV infection.

Is the HPV vaccine safe and effective?

Based on current evidence, the vaccine is considered to be safe and effective. It offers at least five years of protection. It is not yet known if booster doses will be needed in the long run.

The common side effects (≥10%) are mild and include soreness, redness or swelling around the injection site. Severe side effects are rare.

Will the vaccinated women still need to have cervical cancer screening?

HPV-vaccinated women should still undergo regular cervical cancer screening. They can develop cervical cancer caused by HPV types not included in the vaccine and the vaccine cannot clear the virus in those who are already infected.

Who Should Not Get HPV Vaccine?

People who have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any ingredient of an HPV vaccine, or to a previous dose of HPV vaccine.

People who have an allergy to yeast.

Pregnant women should not receive the vaccine as there is limited data on the safety of the vaccine in pregnancy.

Can pregnant women and breastfeeding women receive the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. Studies have shown that the vaccine will not cause problems for babies born to women who were vaccinated while pregnant, but pregnant women are still advised to get vaccinated only after their pregnancy is completed. If a woman only finds out she is pregnant after she has received the first dose of the vaccine, she should wait until her pregnancy is completed to receive the remaining doses. If a woman is planning to get pregnant, she may consider starting her plan one month after the completion of all the doses. The HPV vaccine can be given to women who are breastfeeding. It is safe for both the mother and the infant.