HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a very common group of viruses that infect the skin and mucosal surfaces, mostly transmitted through sexual contact. With over two hundred types, some HPV types can cause genital warts. High-risk types are associated with cancers of the cervix (cervix) in particular, as well as the vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and oropharynx. Cervical cancer, in particular, is one of the most important consequences of HPV infection.
It continues to be a serious health problem for women worldwide. Most individuals may encounter HPV at some point in their lives. However, the infection can often progress without symptoms. The HPV vaccine is an effective preventive health procedure that significantly reduces the risk of developing HPV-related diseases by providing protection against the most common and high-risk types of the virus. This vaccine, which can be administered to both women and men, is ideally recommended between the ages of 9–12, before encountering the virus, but can also be given at older ages.
Today's developed vaccines provide comprehensive protection against both genital warts and cancer development by creating immunity against multiple HPV types. Therefore, the HPV vaccine is a safe and effective prevention method of great importance for individual and public health. Specialists at Adana Private Yaşam Center explained many topics of interest, from the definition of the HPV vaccine to existing vaccine types, application protocols, its benefits, and possible side effects.
What is the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine was developed to provide protection against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It is a vaccine that stands out for its cancer-preventing effect. HPV, one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses, can cause cancers of the cervix (cervix) in particular, as well as the anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and mouth-pharynx (oropharynx), and genital warts. The HPV vaccine significantly reduces both the risk of infection and the likelihood of serious HPV-related diseases by developing immunity against the most common disease-causing types of this virus.
The vaccine contains virus-like particles (VLPs) that mimic the outer structure of the virus but do not have the ability to cause infection. In this way, the immune system recognizes the virus before encountering HPV and develops a strong defense. The HPV vaccine is a preventive vaccine; it is not therapeutic, meaning it does not eliminate existing infections or warts, but it provides effective protection against future infections.
This vaccine, which can be administered to both women and men, is a safe and effective immunization method that provides the highest level of protection especially when administered before encountering the virus.
Current HPV Vaccine Types and Their Coverages?
Today, HPV vaccines offer different levels of protection depending on the HPV types they contain. The most commonly used vaccine types are bivalent and nonavalent vaccines. Both vaccines play an important role in preventing HPV-related cancers, especially cervical cancer, by creating immunity against high-risk (carcinogenic) HPV types.
- Bivalent Vaccine (HPV 16 and 18)
This vaccine provides protection against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for approximately 70 percent of cervical cancers. It offers strong protection especially against cervical cancer; however, it does not provide protection against low-risk HPV types that cause genital warts.
- Nonavalent (Gardasil 9) Vaccine
This vaccine provides the broadest protection, covering both low-risk and high-risk HPV types. It creates effective immunity against HPV 6 and 11 (responsible for approximately 90 percent of genital warts), along with HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, and especially types 52 and 58.
Who (Men/Women) Should Get the HPV Vaccine and at What Age?
The HPV vaccine is an effective preventive health procedure for both women and men. The vaccine provides the highest protection when administered before sexual contact; however, it can also provide benefits at older ages. Therefore, not only girls but also boys and adult individuals should be included in the vaccination program.
Target Age Group (Optimal Period): The World Health Organization (WHO) and international health authorities recommend routine administration of the HPV vaccine to all girls and boys between the ages of 9–14. At this age range, the immune response is stronger, so usually two doses of the vaccine are sufficient.
Catch-Up Vaccination: The HPV vaccine is generally recommended until age 26 for individuals who have not been previously vaccinated. For individuals between the ages of 27 and 45, the administration of the vaccine can be planned by a physician's evaluation, considering the individual's risk status and potential benefits.
Dosage Protocol: The HPV vaccine is administered in a total of 2 doses with at least 6 months apart for individuals aged 9–14, while for individuals aged 15 and above, it is given in a total of 3 doses at 0, 2, and 6 months.
What are the Protective Effects of the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine not only protects the vaccinated person; it also contributes to protecting partners indirectly by reducing the spread of the virus in the community and creating “herd immunity.” By creating immunity against the most common and high-risk types of HPV, it significantly reduces the development of infection and the risk of serious diseases associated with it.
- In Women: It helps prevent cervical (cervix) cancer, as well as vaginal and vulvar cancers, and significantly reduces genital warts.
- In Men: It reduces the risk of penile and anal cancers and provides protection against approximately 90 percent of genital warts.
- In Both Sexes: It shows a protective effect against some HPV-related cancers, including oral and pharyngeal (oropharyngeal) cancers.
What are the Safety and Side Effects of the HPV Vaccine?
HPV vaccines have been administered worldwide for many years, and their efficacy and safety have been comprehensively evaluated through millions of doses. Large-scale clinical studies and post-vaccination surveillance data show that HPV vaccines do not cause serious and permanent side effects and have a high safety profile. Furthermore, while generating strong and lasting protection in the immune system, it is generally a well-tolerated vaccine. Common side effects are usually mild and short-lived:
- Pain, redness, or mild swelling at the injection site,
- Headache, fatigue, or mild fever,
- Rarely nausea or dizziness.
Fainting (syncope), especially in adolescents, can occur due to stress or anxiety related to the needle rather than the vaccine content. Therefore, it is recommended to rest by sitting or lying down for a short period after vaccination.
How are HPV Vaccine Prices Determined?
HPV vaccine prices can vary depending on the type of vaccine used (especially whether it is bivalent or nonavalent), the number of doses, and the healthcare institution where it is administered. Additionally, since it is an imported vaccine, exchange rates, supply processes, and current health policies can also influence prices. As the vaccine is usually administered in multiple doses, the total cost needs to be planned according to the number of doses. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the healthcare institution directly for the most accurate and up-to-date price information.
Which Cities Does Özel Yaşam Merkezi Provide HPV Vaccine Services To?
Özel Yaşam Merkezi provides various health services, including the HPV vaccine, at its clinic in Adana. The center serves clients not only from Adana but also from surrounding cities. Individuals applying from cities such as Mersin, Osmaniye, Konya, Kayseri, Nevşehir, Gaziantep, and Hatay can benefit from the center for HPV vaccination and other treatment services.
