The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common infection of the genital tract caused by a virus. In total, there are about forty different types of this virus in the world that can infect the genital area in both men and women, including the vulva (female external genitalia), the skin on the surface of the penis, as well as the rectum and cervix.. The human papillomavirus vaccine is now very popular.
About the virus
Some types of HPV do not harm the human body, but others can cause a variety of malignant tumors that arise from epithelial cells, primarily in the genital area:
- A malignant tumor that develops on the lining of the cervix (cervical cancer) in women.
- Precancerous and pathologicalchanges in the cervix (the so-called changes in the cells of the cervix, which carry the risk of developing and transforming into a malignant tumor).
- Malignant tumor of the female external genitalia (cancer of the vulva and vagina).
- Condylomas (warts) in the genital area of the female and male population.
Oncology
Cervical cancer is a very serious disease that can be life-threatening for a woman. Almost all recorded cases (99%) of the development of a malignant tumor on the cervical mucosa are directly related to the infection of some types of CHD in the genitals of women. These types of human papillomavirus are able to change the cells of the surface layer of the epithelium of the cervix, while transforming them from normal he althy to precancerous. Such changes in the absence of timely treatment may well turn into the form of malignant tumors. This type of cancer ranks 2nd in the list of all known types of cancer that occur in the female body.
Human papillomavirus vaccine will help prevent it.
Condylomas
Genital warts (warts) appear when the genitals are infected with certain types of HPV. Warts usually appear as flesh-colored growths and irregular shapes. They are found inside or outside the genital surfaces of both the male and female populations. Genital warts typically cause itching, pain, discomfort, and sometimes even bleeding. There were cases when, after their removal, theyafter some time they reappeared. That's why the human papillomavirus is dangerous.
Human papillomavirus can be infected by household or airborne droplets from person to person, but first of all infection occurs sexually. Both men and women of any race and age who engage in various sexual behaviors that involve genital contact are at risk of infection. Most people who become infected with the human papillomavirus do not develop any symptoms or signs of infection and can therefore inadvertently infect other people with the virus. Everyone should know how the human papillomavirus is transmitted.
People between the ages of 16 and 20 are most at risk of HPV infection. This infection can sometimes spontaneously heal, but in the chronic course of the disease, it can contribute to the development of a precancerous condition, and later (after 20-30 years) turn into cancer.
So far, doctors and scientists have not found 100% effective and practically proven treatments for the virus caused by the infection in question.
But there is a human papillomavirus vaccine. Consider it in more detail.
Vaccination options
To date, two types of vaccines are licensed in the world to prevent pathologies caused by HPV infection. These are Cervarix and the Gardasil vaccine.
They contain capsid proteins that self-assemble into virus-like particles. Such particles do not havecontain no genetic viral material and are therefore not capable of causing infection.
Both vaccines protect against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. In addition, the Gardasil vaccine protects against HPV types six and eleven, which can cause mild cervical pathologies and most anogenital warts.
Experience with HPV vaccines
To date, the experience of using a vaccine to protect against infectious diseases caused by HPV is practiced in most developed countries. And in some foreign countries, these vaccinations are even included in national immunization programs. For example, in the USA, such vaccination is carried out among absolutely all girls aged 11-13 years, in Germany - at the age of 13-16 years, in France - at the age of 15, and in Austria - from 10 to 18 years.
The experience of using these vaccines around the world for many years proves their high effectiveness for prevention and complete safety.
Who HPV vaccines are for
Predominantly teenage girls and young women are currently being vaccinated against HPV.
Gardasil is approved for girls and boys aged 9-17 and young women aged 18-26. Cervarix is currently only approved for girls and young women between the ages of 10 and 25.
Human papillomavirus vaccination age should be discussed with your doctor.
Despite the indisputable effectiveness of these vaccines, research is still ongoing around the world on their use to protect against HPV in other age groups. Over time, this will cause an increase in age limits for the use of these vaccines.
Since 2009, vaccination against diseases caused by HPV has been included in the prophylactic vaccination calendar in Moscow. In addition, vaccination is absolutely free in the clinic for teenage girls aged 12-13.
HPV vaccination concept
The standard vaccination course involves three vaccinations a day:
- The first time "Gardasil" is administered on any day chosen for convenience. The subsequent vaccination is done 2 months after the first injection of the vaccine. And the final HPV vaccine is given 6 months after the first vaccination.
- Vaccination "Cervarix" is done according to the same scheme, but with the only difference that the second one is administered a month after the first one.
The vaccine against diseases caused by human papillomavirus is administered to all age groups as an intramuscular injection at a dose of 0.5 ml.
This is confirmed by the instructions for use of Cervarix.
Contraindications for HPV vaccination
Before you get vaccinated, you should consult with an immunologist and family doctor. You should also be tested for papillomavirusperson in the body, in order to be sure that at the time of vaccination planning the person does not have diseases caused by this infection. Only a doctor can prescribe a vaccine!
If suddenly a person is still infected with human papillomavirus at the time of vaccination, but has a mild form of the disease, then he can still be vaccinated. And if the disease is already neglected and prolonged, then the vaccine cannot be given until complete recovery through the use of antiviral and immune-enhancing drugs. Only after full recovery can be vaccinated. Here's what else is reported in the instructions for use of "Cervarix":
- The vaccine is contraindicated in people who may experience allergic reactions to any of the components of the vaccine. If a person is prone to allergic reactions, then he needs to inform the therapist about this before getting vaccinated. If suddenly an allergic reaction occurs after the first injection of the vaccine, then further vaccinations are categorically contraindicated.
- Vaccination cannot be carried out if at the time of it a person has any infectious diseases in an acute stage or organ pathology. But contraindications to vaccination are not acute respiratory diseases.
- If a woman is prone to anaphylactic reactions, then she definitely needs to notify her doctor about this before the introduction of preventive vaccines.
Vaccination during pregnancy
Vaccination against human papillomavirus during pregnancycategorically contraindicated due to the lack of specific studies of the effects of vaccination on women during this period. Although studies of HPV vaccination in animals have not shown a negative effect on offspring, it is still not recommended for pregnant women to vaccinate.
As for the vaccination of women during lactation, then the opinions of experts differ. From an official point of view, breastfeeding is not considered a contraindication for the HPV vaccine, but there are those doctors who still do not recommend it, because a woman vaccinated during lactation will have to stop breastfeeding for several days.
Vaccination against human papillomavirus disease can be combined with hepatitis B vaccination. Studies have not yet been conducted for other vaccine combinations.
The price of Gardasil will be presented below.
Side effects
As a rule, after vaccination with Cervarix or Gardasil, patients did not experience complications. Like any vaccine, the HPV vaccine can in some cases cause anaphylactic and allergic reactions. No cases of overdose have been reported.
As with other vaccinations, the HPV vaccine can sometimes cause minor side effects. Redness and soreness may appear at the injection site. There were cases accompanied by general malaise after the introduction of the vaccine.
People who are already vaccinated may have a severe headache,dizziness, lethargy and feeling tired.
Efficacy of human papillomavirus vaccines
Protective antibodies after a full course of vaccination against HPV are found in more than 99% of those vaccinated. As a result of large-scale studies and observations within 2-5 years after vaccination, almost 100% protection against conditions of the cervix that precede cancer was revealed. Studies have shown protection against anogenital warts in 95-99% of cases.
What is the cost of vaccination and where can I get it?
Due to the relatively high cost, the HPV vaccine is not included in the vaccination schedule. Usually the course of vaccination is six months, and if for some reason the patient missed subsequent injections, then as soon as possible, the vaccine is administered immediately. The vaccination course is considered completed if the drug has been fully administered within a year. So what is the price for Gardasil?
In Moscow and its region, the price for a full course of vaccinations against human papillomavirus is 13-15 thousand rubles, depending on the location of the procedure and the manufacturer of the vaccine. It is quite expensive, but the result is worth it.
It is important to remember that the human papillomavirus vaccines in question are suitable for prevention, but by no means for their treatment. Also, these vaccines cannot protect against diseases not caused by human papillomavirus.
