HPV vaccine is trending again! What is the best price? Can I get vaccinated if I'm already infected with HPV? Here's a complete guide!

Today, #Experts say you don't have to worry about the price of HPV vaccine# became a hot search on Weibo. HPV vaccine is a vaccine that prevents high-risk HPV infection and cervical cancer. Since it was approved for sale in China, it has attracted much attention from women, and it has been difficult to get a shot for many years.

In addition to the difficulty in getting a shot, many female friends also have many questions about the HPV vaccine, such as how to choose the HPV vaccine? Can women who have been infected with HPV be vaccinated? Can women who have had sexual intercourse be vaccinated? Can they be vaccinated during menstruation, lactation, and pregnancy? If they have already received the two-valent or four-valent vaccine, should they receive the nine-valent vaccine? How long does the protection last after vaccination? What are the contraindications and adverse reactions to vaccination? What should be paid attention to after vaccination? This article provides a comprehensive interpretation of these hot issues.

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What is HPV?

First, let's understand what HPV is. The professional name of HPV is human papillomavirus. There are many types, about 160 types, and these types are divided into low-risk and high-risk types.

Low-risk HPV can cause warts on the skin and mucous membranes, while high-risk HPV can cause cancers of the skin and mucous membranes. High-risk HPV infection is associated with cervical cancer, of which the most common are HPV 16 and 18. However, there is no need to worry too much, as HPV vaccines can effectively prevent cervical cancer caused by high-risk HPV infection.

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The protagonist we are going to talk about today is the HPV vaccine, which can induce the body to produce antibodies against HPV virus, thereby providing continuous protection and preventing HPV infection and the serious consequences it causes.

What types of HPV vaccines are there? Which one is better?

HPV vaccine was launched in 2006. Currently, there are three types: bivalent, quadrivalent and nonavalent. The bivalent vaccine is only for the prevention of HPV16 and 18 related cervical cancer and precancerous lesions, while it has a certain cross-protection against other types of HPV.

The quadrivalent vaccine targets not only HPV16 and 18, but also two low-risk types, 6 and 11, thus preventing related cervical cancer and precancerous lesions, warts, vaginal cancer and precancerous lesions, and anal cancer and precancerous lesions.

The nine-valent vaccine covers more HPV types and can effectively prevent HPV6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58-related cervical cancer and precancerous lesions, warts, vaginal cancer and precancerous lesions, and anal cancer and precancerous lesions.

Regardless of the type of HPV vaccine, clinical trials have proven that it is very effective. People often ask which vaccine is best. My answer is: first of all, it depends on whether the age is appropriate. Now the age of the nine-valent HPV vaccine has been extended to 45 years old. Of course, the nine-valent vaccine is preferred, but because the vaccine supply is limited, any type can be vaccinated. They are very effective in preventing cancer. After all, most cervical cancers are caused by HPV16 and 18.

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Let us now understand how to administer these three vaccines, the contraindications for vaccination, and what adverse reactions may occur after vaccination.

There is no consensus on the appropriate population for HPV vaccines at home and abroad. Vaccine suitable population: Currently, the applicable age of the three vaccines in my country, namely, bivalent, quadrivalent and nine-valent, is 9-45 years old. The quadrivalent and nine-valent vaccines abroad are not only suitable for women, but also for men, but my country has not yet approved the vaccination for men.

No matter which of the three vaccines you use, you usually need three shots. The second shot is given 1-2 months after the first shot, and the third shot is given 6 months after the first shot. It is best to complete the vaccination within 1 year.

For children under 15 years old, only two shots are needed to achieve the preventive effect, with the second shot given six months after the first.

Vaccination in progress

Or have received bivalent/quadrivalent vaccine

Can I get the nine-valent vaccine again?

There is currently no relevant safety research to support women who are currently receiving the bivalent/quadrivalent vaccine to switch to the nine-valent vaccine. It is recommended to complete three doses of the bivalent/quadrivalent vaccine first.

Whether you can get the nine-valent vaccine after completing the quadrivalent vaccination, according to the instructions, there must be at least a 12-month interval and the number of doses is three. There is no relevant data on the HPV bivalent vaccine.

How long does vaccination provide protection?

After HPV vaccination, antibodies can be formed in the body, which are generally effective for about 10 years. However, how long it can last depends on the patient's physical condition and the vaccination dosage form. The duration of each body cannot be fully determined and needs further observation and demonstration. According to existing studies, the longest follow-up time for HPV bivalent vaccine is 9.4 years, quadrivalent vaccine is 14 years, and nine-valent vaccine is 7.4 years.

Do I need to do cervical cancer screening after vaccination?

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HPV is a large family with many subtypes, and HPV vaccines do not cover all subtypes. The current bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines target HPV16 and 18, and can prevent about 70%-80% of cervical cancer. The nine-valent vaccine can prevent about 90% of cervical cancer. So it does not mean that you will not get cervical cancer 100% after getting the cervical cancer vaccine. Therefore, after vaccination, you should also participate in cervical cancer screening regularly, and achieve early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment just like unvaccinated women.

Can women who have been infected with HPV be vaccinated?

Women who have been infected with HPV can also receive the HPV vaccine. Because different HPV vaccines target different types of viruses and there is cross-immunity, women who have been infected with HPV can still receive the HPV vaccine.

Can I get vaccinated if I have had sexual intercourse?

The recommended age for vaccination is for prepubertal and adolescent girls and boys. It is best to vaccinate before starting sexual life. The effect of vaccination after sexual life or after HPV infection is slightly worse. The World Health Organization recommends that the first vaccination group is females aged 9-14 who have not had sexual intercourse. The same is true.

Can I get vaccinated during menstruation, breastfeeding or pregnancy?

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Although it is not recommended to be vaccinated during pregnancy, it is safe to accidentally receive the HPV vaccine during pregnancy. If you are pregnant after starting the series of vaccinations, you can postpone the subsequent vaccinations until the end of the pregnancy.

So far, no adverse effects have been found on infants and young children after HPV vaccination during breastfeeding. However, considering many factors, China still has reservations about whether to vaccinate during breastfeeding. It is recommended that vaccination can be delayed until after breastfeeding if there is no special reason.

It is safe to get the HPV vaccine during menstruation, but considering that there are often various degrees of discomfort during menstruation, you can choose to get the vaccine after the menstruation ends.

After receiving the cervical cancer vaccine

What are the common adverse reactions?

HPV vaccines have been proven to be very safe in clinical trials. A large number of clinical studies have shown that HPV vaccines have good short-term and long-term safety, and most adverse reactions are mild and can be quickly relieved, including pain and redness and swelling at the injection site (about 90%), headache and fatigue (about 50%), and other adverse reactions include fever, nausea, dizziness and fatigue.

These side effects disappear quickly. The incidence of serious adverse reactions to the HPV vaccine was similar to that of the placebo injection.

What are the contraindications to vaccination?

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The absolute contraindications are mainly people who are allergic to vaccine ingredients or excipients, including certain proteins, yeast, etc.

Some other situations are relative taboos, such as the acute and unstable phases of the disease. Various vaccines are not recommended. You can wait until the condition stabilizes before getting vaccinated.

Immunosuppression such as HIV infection or organ transplantation is not a contraindication to HPV vaccination, but the immune response to the vaccine may be less favorable.

What should I pay attention to after vaccination?

1. Observe for about half an hour after vaccination to see if there is an allergic reaction to the vaccine.

2. Keep the injection site clean and hygienic.

3. There are no special dietary requirements. Try to drink more water and avoid spicy food.

To sum up, all types of HPV vaccines are safe and effective, but it should be noted that vaccination cannot replace regular gynecological examinations, and you need to participate in regular cervical cancer screening at the same time!

Author: Li Hua, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital

Review｜Li Xianhong, Professor of Central South University

The article is produced by "Science Refutes Facts" (ID: Science_Facts). Please indicate the source when reprinting.

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