HPV Vaccination

What is the danger of the human papillomavirus?

The insidiousness of the human papillomavirus lies in its latency: in some clinical cases, it can progress without symptoms, meaning an infected person can spread the virus without even knowing it. Therefore, HPV vaccination protects against infection and helps stop its further spread. The presence of the disease may be indicated by formations on the skin and mucous membranes:

• genital warts around the vagina, penis, and anus;
• common warts in the groin area, underarms, and folds under the breasts;
• laryngeal papillomatosis — soft polyps on the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat;
• filiform warts on the body and neck;
• plantar warts.

These formations are not just an aesthetic issue. Some of them, if left untreated, can lead to cancer development. Therefore, regular screenings are recommended to detect risks in a timely manner.

The most common forms of cancer triggered by the human papillomavirus (HPV) are:

• cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer;
• penile cancer;
• rectal cancer;
• laryngeal, tongue, and ENT organ cancers.

HPV includes over 100 strains, each of which can contribute to the development of a specific type of cancer.

How can you contract HPV?

Why is HPV vaccination so important? HPV can be transmitted in various ways, making vaccination the best method of preventing infection. The following transmission routes are identified:

1. Sexual — the most common. Infection can occur during both unprotected and protected intercourse through skin contact between an infected person and a healthy one, especially if there are open wounds.
2. Contact — HPV can be transmitted through wounds if there is a scratch or injury on the skin or mucous membrane.
3. Contact-household — infection may occur through contact with surfaces that have HPV, especially in places like baths, pools, gyms, and public spaces. Risks are higher when personal hygiene rules are not followed, such as using razors or depilation tools after an infected person.
4. Autoinoculation — the spread of HPV to other parts of the body during shaving, depilation, or other hygiene procedures.
5. Vertical transmission — when a newborn is infected by an HPV-positive mother during childbirth, passing through the birth canal.

Since there are several ways the infection can be transmitted, and not all of them can be controlled, timely administration of the HPV vaccine is considered the most effective method for preventing the disease.

How can you protect yourself from the human papillomavirus (HPV)?

The HPV vaccine is administered as one of three options:

1. HPV2 — a bivalent vaccine against HPV types 16 and 18, which are linked to the development of cervical and anal cancer.
2. HPV4 — a quadrivalent vaccine against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, providing protection against cervical and anal cancer, as well as the formation of warts on the skin and mucous membranes.
3. Nine-valent vaccine — in addition to the protection provided by HPV2 and HPV4, it is also active against HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.

Regarding HPV types, the most dangerous and aggressive are considered to be:

• 6 and 11 — cause the growth of genital warts in 90% of cases;
• 16 and 18 — provoke female genital cancers in 70% of cases and anal cancer in 90% of cases;
• 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 — cause cervical cancer in up to 20% of cases.

The vaccine is selected based on the risk group and gender.

Age Categories for HPV Vaccination

In most countries, HPV vaccination is included in the childhood immunization schedule. The procedure is recommended not only for women but also for men, as they are often carriers of the virus. In Ukraine, the HPV vaccine is not included in the National Immunization Schedule, so parents should independently arrange the vaccination for their children, ideally between the ages of 9-12. At what age does HPV vaccination become relevant:

• Children aged 11-12 years, with the possibility of administering the vaccine as early as age 9 in some cases.
• Adolescents and adults up to 26 years old, who were not vaccinated on time or received an incomplete dose of the vaccine, can be vaccinated at any age.
• Men and women aged 27 to 45 years may receive the 9-valent vaccine, but only based on medical indications, as the effectiveness of the vaccine decreases in this age group.

Doses and Schedules for the HPV Vaccine

HPV vaccination involves a schedule of either 2 or 3 doses of 0.5 ml, administered intramuscularly by a doctor. The frequency of doses depends on the age at which the first HPV vaccination is given.

Initial Dose for Ages 9-14

• a 2-dose series is practiced;
• the timing of doses is at 0 and 6-12 months;
• the interval between doses should be no less than 5 months;
• if the interval is mistakenly shortened to less than 5 months, an additional dose is added to the vaccination schedule.

Initial Dose for Ages 15+

• a 3-dose series is practiced;
• the timing of doses is at 0, 1-2, and 6 months;
• the interval between the 1st and 2nd dose is 1 month, between the 2nd and 3rd dose is 3 months, and between the 1st and 3rd dose is 5 months;
• if the interval is mistakenly shortened, an additional vaccination is added to the schedule.

HPV Vaccination for Ages 27-45

At this age, the completion of a series started in childhood or adolescence is provided for:

• if the series was initiated at ages 9-14, the adult is given 1 dose to complete the 2-dose series;
• if the series was started at age 15 or older, it is completed with 2 doses.

Patients with immunodeficiency conditions receive 3 doses, regardless of the age at which the first vaccination was given.

Precautions, Contraindications, and Side Effects

The contraindications for the HPV vaccine include:

• age under 9 years and over 45 years;
• allergy to any components of the vaccine;
• pregnancy — if the first dose was administered in the early stages of pregnancy, the series is postponed until the postpartum period.

HPV vaccination should be postponed if a person is diagnosed with fever or acute or severe infectious diseases. 

Vaccination does not cause serious side effects or complications. Among the undesirable reactions to the HPV vaccine, the following are most frequently reported:

• systemic reactions — nausea, fever, dizziness;
• local reactions (at the injection site) — swelling, pain upon pressure, bruising, itching.

These conditions are not life-threatening and do not require treatment.

Where to Get the HPV Vaccine in Lviv

If your child or you need HPV vaccination in Lviv, contact the LeoDerm Clinic. The clinic uses certified products and strictly adheres to the conditions for storing medications and the procedure techniques, minimizing the risk of complications. Along with the vaccination, patients have the opportunity to undergo a doctor’s examination, receive professional advice, and recommendations. Call LeoDerm Clinic now to find out the price of the HPV vaccination and choose a convenient date for your appointment.