HPV VACCINES

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) 

This virus spreads through sexual contact. HPV infection cause cervical cancer in women after the age 55. Cervical cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among women around the world. It can also cause genital warts and warts in the throat in both men and women at any age.

Vaccine schedule

Since the development of Cervical cancer  takes many years after the exposure of Virus, vaccine is recommended as early as possible.

Response of vaccine in giving immunity against HPV or making antibodies is much better at a younger age. So only 2 doses at 6 months gap are required if course is completed below 15 years age . While if age is 15 plus then 3 doses are needed over 6 months.

So, HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys BOTH starting at age 9 till the age of 45 years. Earlier it was offered to Girls only in India but new guidelines by IAP(Indian Academy of Pediatrics) in 2024 recommend to both Boys and Girls. For boys it gives protection from Genital Warts and also decreases the virus carriage in Boys, and so decreases the chances of transfer to their partners.

Vaccines for HPV

There are 4 types of Cervical Vaccines …

1. CERVAVAC – It is a 4 virus based HPV vaccine by Serum Institute of India
2. GARADASIL– It is also a 4 virus based HPV vaccine by MSD.
3. GARDASIL 9 This a 9 Virus based HPV vaccine by MSD
4. CERVARIX- This a 2 virus based HPV vaccine by GSK but currently not available in India.

70-80%  cases of Cervical Cancer are caused by  2 Virus serotypes  i.e. type 16 and type 18. These 2 HPV types are included in all the vaccines above. So, any of these vaccines  can be used to vaccinate boys and girls. However, one may choose to a 9 Virus based vaccine to enhance the spectrum to get some extra protection.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT HPV AT WHO WEBSITE

CLICK HERE FOR VACCINE GUIDELINES BY IAP