HPV Vaccine: A Protective Step Against Human Papillomavirus

HPV vaccine is a vaccine that protects against human papillomavirus. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause genital warts and some types of cancer in women and men. HPV is most commonly transmitted sexually and is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. One of the most effective methods of protection against HPV is vaccination. In this article, you can find information about the diseases caused by HPV, the importance of the HPV vaccine, and who it is necessary for.

What is HPV?

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a family of viruses with more than 200 different types. These viruses cause infection on skin and mucosal surfaces. HPV types are divided into two main groups: low-risk and high-risk:

Low-Risk HPV Types: These are the types of viruses that usually cause genital warts. These types do not carry a cancer risk.
High-Risk HPV Types: These types can cause cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus and throat. The most common high-risk HPV types are HPV-16 and HPV-18. These two types are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers.
Diseases Caused by HPV

HPV infection can usually go away on its own without showing any symptoms. However, in some cases, the infection becomes permanent and can lead to serious health problems. The most common diseases caused by HPV are:

Cervical Cancer: HPV is the biggest cause of cervical cancer. HPV-16 and HPV-18 in particular are responsible for a large portion of these cancer cases.
Genital Warts: Low-risk HPV types can cause genital warts. Genital warts appear as small, flesh-like protrusions on and around the genitals.
Other Types of Cancer: HPV can lead to cancer in the vulva, vagina, penis, anus and mouth-pharynx area.
What is the HPV Vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is a vaccine that protects against HPV infections. The vaccine provides protection by immunizing the body against high-risk HPV types and some low-risk types. There are three different HPV vaccines today:

Gardasil 4: Provides protection against HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16 and HPV-18 types. It protects against genital warts and cervical cancer.
Gardasil 9: Provides protection against 5 different high-risk HPV types in addition to Gardasil 4. This vaccine also protects against HPV-31, HPV-33, HPV-45, HPV-52 and HPV-58.
Cervarix: Provides protection against HPV-16 and HPV-18 and is especially effective against cervical cancer.
Who is the HPV Vaccine Suitable for?

The HPV vaccine is recommended for both girls and boys and adolescents. The vaccine is generally recommended as a preventive measure before starting sexual intercourse. However, sexually active individuals can also benefit from the vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) and many health authorities recommend that the vaccine be administered to the following age groups:

Girls and Boys: It is administered in two doses in children between the ages of 9-14. The vaccine is most effective in this age group.
Adolescents and Adults Between the Ages of 15-26: Although it is ideal for adolescents who are not sexually active, the vaccine can also be effective in sexually active individuals in this age group. In this case, it is administered in three doses.
Adults Over the Age of 26: The HPV vaccine can also be recommended for individuals in this age group, but the effectiveness of the vaccine may vary depending on sexual history. The effectiveness of the vaccine is higher in individuals who have not been exposed to HPV through sexual intercourse.
The Importance of HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is extremely important in preventing many HPV-related diseases, especially cervical cancer. Since HPV infections usually do not cause symptoms, individuals may not realize that they have been exposed to the virus. Therefore, vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect against the virus. The vaccine can prevent cervical cancer by 90%.

The importance of the HPV vaccine can be summarized as follows:

Reduces the Risk of Cervical Cancer: HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine largely prevents the development of this type of cancer by providing protection against high-risk HPV types.
Prevents Genital Warts: Genital warts caused by low-risk HPV types are a disturbing problem that especially affects sexual life. The vaccine can prevent the formation of genital warts.
Protects from Other HPV-Related Cancers: The vaccine also provides effective protection against other HPV-related cancers such as anal, vulvar, vaginal and penile cancers.
Side Effects After HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is generally safe and serious side effects are rare. However, as with any vaccine, mild side effects may occur:

Pain, redness or swelling in the area where the vaccine was administered
Slight fever
Headache
Weakness

These side effects are usually short-term and mild. Rarely, serious allergic reactions may occur after vaccination. If a severe reaction is noticed after vaccination, a healthcare professional should be consulted immediately.

Misconceptions About the HPV Vaccine

There may be some misconceptions and prejudices about the HPV vaccine.