January is the cervical cancer awareness month. In this article, Dr Chhavi Gupta, Senior Consultant, Infectious Disease, Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital, NCR discuss about HPV vaccines
Globally, cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer in women, about 90 per cent of deaths caused by cervical cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries. Current data indicates that that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among females in the country . The persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can affect the skin, genital area, and throat. Almost all sexually active people are infected at some point in their lives and may remain without any signs or symptoms. In most cases the immune system clears HPV from the body, however, persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause abnormal cells to develop, which go on to become cancer. Typically, it takes 15–20 years for abnormal cells to become cancer, but in women with weakened immune systems, such as untreated HIV, this process can be faster and take 5–10 years. It is noteworthy that HPV infections not only cause cancers in women but also has a tendency to cause cancers of head, neck, oropharynx and anogenital area in males. Both men and women are vulnerable to HPV-related cancers. Prevention is always better than cure. Prophylactic vaccination against HPV, early screening, and detection and treatment of pre-cancer lesions are effective ways to prevent cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the only vaccine-preventable cancer. January is the cervical cancer awareness month. In this article, we are going to discuss about HPV vaccines.
What are the vaccines available for the prevention of cervical cancers?
HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing cervical cancers. HPV vaccines stimulate the production of antibodies in the body so that whenever there’s an encounter with HPV in the future, the virus is prevented from infecting the cells and preventing cervical cancer in future. But is important to note that these vaccines can prevent only HPV related cancers.
What are the efficacy of these vaccines?
HPV vaccine can prevent over 90 per cent of cancers caused by HPV
What are the age groups who can be vaccinated?
HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11 or 12 years; vaccination can be given starting at age 9 years before the onset of sexual activity. However recently based on safety and immunogenicity data, use has been expanded up to age 45 years. Children who receive vaccine before 15 years of age require only 2 doses but those beyond 15 years or immunocompromised require 3 doses.
What are the side effects?
These vaccines are safe. Sometimes redness and soreness can occur at site of inoculation. Allergic reactions to vaccine and its components are very rare chance. However, if anyone encounters allergic reaction to first dose should not take second dose. Vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy.
Are HPV vaccines recommended only for girls?
HPV vaccines can be given to both girls and boys. Some countries have also chosen to vaccinate boys to further reduce the prevalence of HPV in the community and to prevent cancers in men caused by HPV.
What are the HPV vaccines available in India?
HPV vaccines are available in India since 2008 but was not included in the National Immunization Programme. Recently serum Institute of India along with govt of India rolled out quadrivalent vaccine Cervavac at very low cost. National Technical Advisory Group for Immunization (NTAGI) has recommended introduction of HPV Vaccine in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) with a one-time catch-up for 9–14-year-old adolescent girls followed with routine introduction at 9 years. However, girls beyond 15 years of age and boys can take it from private market. As of 2024, 3 types of HPV vaccines are available in our country; Gardasil -9, Gardasil- 4 and Cervavac. Gardasil-4 provides protection against 4 HPV types while Gardasil-9 provides protection against 9 HPV types, while indigenously made Cervavac provides protection against 4 HPV types similar to Gardasil-4.