Human papillomavirus vaccine
The Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Will Protect Both Men and Women from Cancer
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) of the Robert Koch Institute (Germany) strongly recommends vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) for both girls and boys. Timely HPV vaccination will protect you or your child from developing many severe forms of cancer!
The human papillomavirus (HPV) or papillomavirus is one of the dangerous and common viruses that affect the human body and cause a number of diseases, some of which are quite serious, and some are even fatal. A clear representative of the group of HPV-associated diseases is the well-known warts. More unpleasant manifestations of HPV are papillomas, as well as lesions of the skin and mucous membranes in the form of genital warts. Experts have determined that HPV has oncogenic properties and can contribute to the transformation of tissues into benign or malignant tumors. Thus, the role of HPV in such oncological diseases as cervical cancer, vulvar and vaginal carcinoma, anal cancer in women and men, penis and oropharynx has been proven.
What scientists say about HPV:
The diversity of HPV-associated diseases is due to the presence of many types (strains) of papillomaviruses. To date, more than 600 of them have been studied. Most HPV do not cause any manifestations, 40 strains are the culprits of the occurrence of condylomas, warts and papillomas. And only two types of the virus, namely 16 and 18, belong to the oncogenic group, that is, they can provoke the development of precancerous conditions and cancer.
Is it possible to cure the papillomavirus?
Today, there are no clear treatment regimens for HPV. Most modern methods are aimed at ridding patients of external manifestations of the disease, and not at removing HPV itself from the human body. The choice of treatment method depends on the type of disease caused by the virus. Most often, treatment is carried out using cryotherapy and electrocoagulation. Drug therapy is also carried out. External condylomas are removed using a radio wave method. In case of malignant neoplasms, complex therapy is used, including surgical removal of the tumor.
The only way to protect yourself is prevention!
Considering the danger that the papillomavirus poses to the human body and its high prevalence in the population, scientists from many countries are searching for the most effective way to protect against this infection. Today, the only way to prevent HPV infections is vaccination! The developed vaccines can protect a person from pathogenic strains of HPV that cause the development of genital warts and malignant tumors. Thanks to the so-called cross-immunity, these vaccines can protect a person from several other types of papillomavirus.
How does the vaccine work?
The effect of the vaccine is that it ensures the production of specific protective antibodies even before the virus enters the human body, that is, it forms immune memory. Such vaccines are approved by leading control organizations and are used in many countries. The HPV vaccine, like any other preventive vaccine, must be administered before exposure to the virus. Therefore, adolescents are recommended to be vaccinated before they begin their sexual activity. In countries where mass HPV vaccination is carried out, the incidence of genital warts, precancerous cervical diseases and cervical cancer has been reduced in a few years.
Who should be vaccinated?
The main groups of people subject to vaccination have been identified:
- Girls before the onset of sexual activity, starting at the age of 9
- Women who are sexually active but not infected with the virus.
In the summer of 2018, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) of the Robert Koch Institute (Germany) made a decision and made recommendations on the need to vaccinate boys aged 9 to 14 against HPV. Currently, 86 countries have included HPV vaccination in their national immunization program, 16 of which vaccinate both girls and boys.
It is important to remember! The risk of acquiring HPV infection remains throughout a woman’s entire sexual life. Vaccination carried out in adulthood can protect a woman from infection with types of viruses that she has not yet encountered, and also reduce the risk of repeated HPV-related diseases.
Vaccination schedule:
Vaccination is carried out according to the accepted schedule, after consultation with a doctor. Women who are sexually active need a consultation and examination with a gynecologist before vaccination. The vaccine is administered intramuscularly, in the shoulder area, three times (0-1-6 months). The final vaccination schedule is determined by the doctor during the consultation. Immunity lasts for 8 years.
Vaccination against HPV infection is included in the group of diseases, protection against which is provided for by Section III of the National Vaccination Calendar.
All parents without exception want to be sure of the safety of vaccination. Foreign specialists are ready to consult on vaccination and answer all your questions. For all questions about vaccination in European clinics, please contact the managers of the MedicalExpert company.
