Vaccination against papillomavirus for girls. How does the papillomavirus vaccine help? Important about HPV

The most common infection of the genital tract caused by a virus is called. In total, there are about forty different types of this virus in the world that can infect the genital area in both men and women, including the vulva (female external genitalia), the skin on the surface of the penis, as well as the rectum and cervix . The human papillomavirus vaccine is now very popular.

About the virus

Certain types of HPV do not harm the human body, but others can cause a variety of malignant tumors that arise from epithelial cells, primarily in the genital area:

A malignant tumor that develops on the lining of the cervix (cervical cancer) in women.
Precancerous and pathological modifications of the cervix (the so-called modifications of the cells of the cervix, which carry the risk of development and transformation into a malignant tumor).
Malignant tumor of the female external genital organs (cancer of the vulva and vagina).
Condylomas (warts) in the genital area in the female and male population.

Oncology

Cervical cancer is a very serious disease that can be life-threatening for a woman. Almost all recorded cases (99%) of the development of a malignant tumor on the cervical mucosa are directly related to the infection of some types of CHD in the genitals of women. These types of human papillomavirus are able to change the cells of the surface layer of the epithelium of the cervix, while transforming them from normal healthy to precancerous. Such changes in the absence of timely treatment may well turn into the form of malignant tumors. This type of cancer ranks 2nd in the list of all known types of cancer that occur in the female body.

The human papillomavirus vaccine will help prevent it.

warts

Genital warts (warts) appear when the genitals become infected with certain types of HPV. Warts usually appear as flesh-colored growths and irregular shapes. They are found inside or outside the genital surfaces of both the male and female populations. Genital warts typically cause itching, pain, discomfort, and sometimes even bleeding. There were cases when, after their removal, they reappeared after some time. That's why the human papillomavirus is dangerous.

By household or airborne droplets from person to person, but first of all, infection occurs sexually. Both men and women of all races and ages who engage in various forms of sexual behavior that involve genital contact are at risk of infection. Most people who become infected with the human papillomavirus do not develop any symptoms or signs of infection and can therefore inadvertently infect other people with the virus. Everyone should know the ways of transmission of the human papillomavirus.

People between the ages of 16 and 20 are most at risk of HPV infection. This infection can sometimes spontaneously heal, but in the chronic course of the disease, it can contribute to the development and later (after 20-30 years) turn into cancer.

So far, doctors and scientists have not found 100% effective and practically proven treatments for the virus caused by the infection in question.

But there is a vaccine against the human papillomavirus. Let's consider it in more detail.

Vaccination Options

In the world today, two types of vaccines are licensed for the prevention of pathologies that are caused by HPV infection. These are Cervarix and the Gardasil vaccine.

Both vaccines protect against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. In addition, the Gardasil vaccine protects against HPV types six and eleven, which can cause mild cervical pathologies and most anogenital warts.

Experience with HPV vaccines

To date, the experience of using a vaccine to protect against infectious diseases caused by HPV is practiced in most developed countries. And in some foreign countries, these vaccinations are even included in national immunization programs. So, for example, in the USA, such vaccination is carried out among absolutely all girls aged 11-13 years, in Germany - at the age of 13-16 years, in France - at the age of 15, and in Austria - from 10 to 18 years.

The experience of using these vaccinations all over the world for many years proves their high effectiveness for prevention and complete safety.

Who are HPV vaccines for?

To date, HPV vaccines have been used predominantly among adolescent girls and young women.

Gardasil is approved for girls and boys aged 9 to 17 and young women aged 18 to 26. Cervarix is currently only approved for girls and young women between the ages of 10 and 25.

The age for vaccination against human papillomavirus should be discussed with your doctor.

Despite the indisputable effectiveness of these vaccines, research is still ongoing in the world on their use to protect against HPV in other age groups of the population. Over time, this will cause an increase in age limits for the use of these vaccines.

Since 2009, vaccination against diseases caused by HPV has been included in the preventive vaccination calendar in Moscow. In addition, vaccination is done absolutely free of charge in the clinic for teenage girls 12-13 years old.

Schematic diagram of vaccination against diseases caused by HPV

The standard vaccination course involves three vaccinations a day:

The first time "Gardasil" is administered on any day chosen for convenience. The subsequent vaccination is done 2 months after the first injection of the vaccine. And the final HPV vaccine is given 6 months after the first vaccination.
The Cervarix vaccination is done according to the same scheme, but with the only difference that the second one is administered a month after the first time.

The vaccine against diseases caused by human papillomavirus is administered to all age groups in the form of intramuscular injections at a dose of 0.5 ml.

This is confirmed by the instructions for use of "Cervarix".

protecting against HPV

Before you get vaccinated, you should consult with an immunologist and family doctor. And you should also be tested for the detection of human papillomavirus in the body, in order to be sure that at the time of vaccination planning, a person does not have diseases caused by this infection. Vaccination can only be prescribed by a doctor!

If suddenly a person is still infected with human papillomavirus at the time of vaccination, but has a mild form of the disease, then he can still be vaccinated. And if the disease is already neglected and prolonged, then the vaccine cannot be given until complete recovery through the use of antiviral and immune-boosting drugs. Only after full recovery can be vaccinated. Here is what else is reported in the instructions for use of "Cervarix":

The vaccine is contraindicated in people who may experience allergic reactions to any of the components of the vaccine. If a person is prone to allergic reactions, then he needs to inform the therapist about this before getting vaccinated. If suddenly an allergic reaction occurs after the first injection of the vaccine, then further vaccinations are categorically contraindicated.
Vaccination cannot be carried out if at its time a person has any infectious diseases in an acute stage or organ pathology. But contraindications to vaccination are not acute respiratory diseases.
If a woman is prone to anaphylactic reactions, then she definitely needs to notify her doctor about this before introducing prophylactic vaccines.

Vaccination during pregnancy

During pregnancy, vaccination against human papillomavirus is strictly contraindicated due to the lack of specific studies on the effects of vaccination on women during this period. Although studies of HPV vaccination in animals have not shown a negative effect on offspring, it is still not recommended for pregnant women to vaccinate.

As for the vaccination of women during lactation, then the opinions of experts differ. From an official point of view, breastfeeding is not considered a contraindication for the HPV vaccine, but there are those doctors who still do not recommend it, because a woman vaccinated during lactation will have to stop breastfeeding for several days.

Vaccination against diseases caused by human papillomavirus can be combined with vaccination against hepatitis B. Studies have not yet been carried out for other combinations of vaccines.

The price of "Gardasil" will be presented below.

Side effects

As a rule, after vaccination with Cervarix or Gardasil, patients did not experience complications. Like any vaccine, the HPV vaccine can cause anaphylactic and allergic reactions in some cases. Cases of overdose have not been recorded.

As with other vaccinations, after the HPV vaccine, the patient may sometimes experience minor adverse reactions. Redness and soreness may appear at the injection site. There have been cases accompanied by general malaise after the introduction of the vaccine.

Those already vaccinated may experience severe headache, dizziness, lethargy and fatigue.

The effectiveness of vaccines against human papillomavirus

Protective antibodies after a full course of HPV vaccination are found in more than 99% of those vaccinated. As a result of large-scale studies and observations within 2-5 years after vaccination, almost 100% protection against conditions of the cervix that precede cancer was revealed. In 95-99% of cases, studies have shown protection against anogenital warts.

What is the cost of vaccination and where can it be done?

Due to the relatively high cost, the HPV vaccine is not included in the immunization calendar. Usually the course of vaccination is six months, and if for some reason the patient missed subsequent injections, then as soon as possible, the vaccine is administered immediately. The vaccination course is considered completed if the drug has been fully administered within a year. So, what is the price for Gardasil?

In Moscow and its region, the price for a full course of vaccinations against human papillomavirus is 13-15 thousand rubles, depending on the location of the procedure and the manufacturer of the vaccine. It's quite expensive, but the result is worth it.

It is important to remember that the human papillomavirus vaccines in question are suitable for prevention, but by no means for their treatment. Also, these vaccines cannot protect against diseases caused by non-human papillomaviruses.

More than 40 types of papillomavirus (HPV) are transmitted during sex, when there is close contact, friction of mucous membranes and skin. Other transmission routes include vertical and household, contact. This is the most common sexually transmitted infection.

All human papillomaviruses are conditionally divided into two groups: high-oncogenic and low-oncogenic. In most cases, infection with highly oncogenic types of HPV is not accompanied by any symptoms, but in some people the virus causes precancerous conditions and malignant neoplasms. That is why scientists have developed vaccines against HPV.

Show all

1. What cancers can be caused by papillomaviruses?

The following neoplasms can be caused by papillomaviruses:

1 Cervical cancer (in 70% of cases induced by papillomaviruses 16, 18 types).
2 Cancer of the anus (in 19 out of 20 patients, the disease is associated with a viral infection).
3 Cancer of the oral cavity, larynx.
4 Rare tumors: cancer of the vagina (in 65% of cases the main cause is HPV), penis (35%).
5 High oncogenic risk types are responsible for about 5% of all cancers in the world.

2. Can infection be prevented?

Proper, regular use of condoms during sex reduces the chance of transmission from one partner to another.

However, during sex, those areas of the skin that do not have protection can be infected.

Vaccination reduces the risk of infection with those types of papillomaviruses whose antigens are contained in vaccines.

3. What vaccines are available?

At the moment, for the purpose of prevention, three drugs are used - Cervarix, Gardasil and Gardasil 9.

All of them provide immune protection against 16, 18 HPV types, which are highly oncogenic. Gardasil also contributes to the development of immunity against types 6 and 11 (they cause about 90% of papillomas and condylomas in the genital area and anus).

None of the vaccines provides protection against absolutely all papillomaviruses that cause cancer. Therefore, women still need screening and observation by a gynecologist.

Table 1 - How to choose the HPV vaccine?

4. Why is Gardasil 9 the best choice?

As stated above, this vaccine provides broader immunity, protecting the patient against 9 types of HPV. It can even be used by men.

1 Girls and women aged 9-25 years, before sexual activity. The optimal age is 9-12 years old. All existing types of vaccines can be used.
2 Boys and men aged 9-26 years, before the onset of sexual activity in order to prevent cancer of the anus, genital warts and other neoplasms. The optimal age is 9-15 years. In males, Gardasil and Gardasil 9 are used.

6. Vaccination schedule

All three vaccinations are given as a series of three doses, with a certain interval between doses. Since 2016, a new vaccination scheme for children has been approved: the first injection is given at the age of nine to fourteen years, the second after 6-12 months (usually after six months).

Vaccination over the age of 14 years, as well as in patients with a weakened immune system, is given according to a three-dose schedule (see table below).

The drug is administered intramuscularly, into the muscles of the shoulder or thigh, after treating the field with medical alcohol. The syringe after vaccination is disposed of in accordance with all the rules.

Table 2 - Vaccination schedules against human papillomavirus infection

7. How does the vaccine work?

The introduction of the drug into the body stimulates the production of specific antibodies. When a virus enters the body, antibodies bind to it and lead to its neutralization, preventing infection of epithelial cells.

Modern vaccines contain protein particles that are similar in structure to the components of the virus envelope. They do not lead to infection in the body, since they do not contain viral DNA, but they trigger the production of specific antibodies. This makes the drug highly effective against certain types of papillomavirus.

Vaccinations are most effective for preventing infection, that is, they should be given before the expected exposure to the infection (before the onset of sexual activity).

A study of the effectiveness of Cervarix and Gardasil showed that these drugs provide one hundred percent protection against long-term infection of the cervical epithelium with HPV types 16 and 18, as well as against precancerous changes in the epithelium.

Gardasil in men provides protection against precancerous lesions of the anus, papillomas and genital warts of the perineum.

8. Why is it important to get vaccinated?

The widespread introduction of vaccination has the potential to gradually reduce the incidence of cervical cancer worldwide by about 60%. The use of Gardasil 9 can lead to an even greater effect, since it can be used in males and contributes to the formation of immunity against 9 types of HPV.

Vaccination of a large proportion of the population reduces the risk of infection and reduces the likelihood of the virus spreading in the population. The procedure eliminates the need for invasive medical examinations, biopsies, and surgical treatment.

For example, in Australia, the widespread introduction of immunization with Gardasil resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence of genital papillomas, genital warts in unvaccinated men during the first four years.

Patients who are already infected with any type of HPV can be vaccinated. The attending physician should warn such patients about the decrease in the effectiveness of vaccination.

Immunization of those infected may have a certain beneficial result - protection against other oncogenic papillomaviruses with which a person has not yet had contact.

9. Do vaccinated women need screening for cervical cancer?

Yes, it is necessary. The vaccines used do not protect against all types of the virus. Smear sampling and Pap testing, DNA detection by PCR and DNA hybridization remain critical methods in determining cancer risk groups.

10. How safe is the vaccine?

Before widespread introduction, all three drugs were tested on thousands of patients in the US and many other countries around the world.

No serious side effects were reported during the trials. The most commonly reported adverse reactions were soreness, swelling and itching at the injection site.

Such reactions often occur with the introduction of other vaccines. The drugs have not been tested on pregnant women, so they should not be used in this group of patients. Persons allergic to components, including yeast, should not be vaccinated.

One of the side effects of Gardasil is short-term weakness. Some patients experienced temporary loss of consciousness. Weakness in and of itself is not terrible. However, loss of consciousness and a fall combined with a head injury can be fatal.

Thus, all patients are recommended to maintain a sitting position and be monitored by medical staff for a quarter of an hour after the administration of the drug.

Other adverse reactions include nausea, fever, headache, redness and swelling at the injection site, and allergic reactions.

11. The cost of drugs

Immunization against the human papillomavirus is an expensive procedure. In the CIS countries, the decision to vaccinate, as well as financial costs, fall on the shoulders of the child's parents.

Price:

1 Cervarix 1 injection 4200-5000 Russian rubles, 3 injections are required for the course, a total of 12,600 - 15,000 rubles.
2 Gardasil 1 injection 6,500 - 8,000 rubles, 2-3 injections are needed for the course, total - 13,000 - 24,000 rubles.

We do not recommend purchasing drugs on your own, they must be delivered to the vaccination room in compliance with the temperature regime. It is better to consult a doctor at the place of residence or any good medical center.

For a long time, the human papillomavirus was considered quite harmless. However, not so long ago it turned out that HPV strains No. 16 and No. 18 cause cancer of the genital organs. This discovery was made by the German doctor Hausen and was awarded the Nobel Prize. Reliable protection against deadly viruses these days is vaccination.

What is the human papillomavirus vaccine

Strains No. 16 and No. 18 cause infectious inflammation of the genital organs. Some pathologies are completely and completely cured, while others provoke the formation of oncological tumors. In women, it is cancer of the cervix; in men, it is cancer of the penis and anus. Strains No. 6 and No. 11 cause papillomas and condylomas on the genitals, which can also degenerate into malignant neoplasms. There is an immunization program in our country, during which a prophylactic vaccine against the human papillomavirus is used.

Two types of drugs are allowed for vaccinations: Gardasil (Holland) and Cervarix (Belgium). With the introduction of these vaccines, antibodies are produced that completely protect the body from the destructive effects of viruses in the event of their invasion during unprotected intercourse. To obtain immune protection against HPV, it is necessary to administer the suspension three times.

For children, these drugs can be administered simultaneously with vaccines against whooping cough, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B, and polio. Young people can be injected without interrupting their birth control pills. It should be borne in mind that the HPV vaccine is not a protection against gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis and other infections that are also contracted through sexual intercourse.

Who should be vaccinated against papillomavirus

Since young people are more likely to become infected with HPV, it is advisable to vaccinate before the first sexual contact, in adolescence. In many countries, only girls are vaccinated because an innovative drug cannot be cheap. In addition, in this case, young men indirectly receive protection. According to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, vaccination against papilloma and cervical cancer is necessary for girls and boys at the age of 12. WHO considers that it is desirable to vaccinate young people of both sexes from 16 to 23 years of age.

The use of Gardasil and Cervarix is limited to 26 years, as there is no scientific data on the administration of these drugs to older people. It should be borne in mind: if the virus has already entered the body, the effect of the vaccine will be zero. However, according to studies by domestic experts, the vaccine administered to infected patients under the age of 35 facilitates the treatment of human papillomavirus. So doctors advise getting vaccinated even if you have HPV.

How is the human papillomavirus vaccination administered?

Gardasil and Cervarix are available in vials and syringes. Vaccines should be stored in the refrigerator, avoiding freezing. Repeatedly Cervarix is administered 1 month after the first injection, the third dose - after six months, 3-4 months later is acceptable. The second vaccination with Gardasil is done 1.5-2 months after the first injection, the third - also after six months or 3-4 months.

A feature of the HPV vaccine is that all three doses of the vaccine are required. The drug is injected into the shoulder or thigh, and exclusively intramuscularly! Subcutaneous injection is unacceptable - this is a waste of the vaccine, since immunity from HPV will not be able to form. After receiving three doses of Gardasil or Cervarix, the body becomes guaranteed to be protected from the virus after 1 month.

Possible complications and consequences after vaccination

Reviews in social networks that these drugs lead to severe side effects are unfounded. Gardasil and Cervarix are inactivated, non-live vaccines, they do not contain virus DNA, therefore they are completely safe. They do not give any terrible complications. The papillomavirus vaccine is easily tolerated. There may be slight redness, swelling, and soreness where the HPV vaccine is given. However, these symptoms quickly disappear on their own, they do not need to be treated.

Occasionally there are headaches, fever, malaise. You can use an analgesic with antipyretic action, for example, Paracetamol or Nimesulide. For prevention purposes, allergy sufferers should take Zirtek or Erius on the eve of vaccination. Extremely rare are isolated cases of semi-consciousness in vaccinated adolescent boys, which pass on their own. In girls, such seizures are not registered in any country.

Contraindications for vaccination

There is not at least one recorded fact in the world that the HPV vaccine against papillomas and cervical cancer doomed women to infertility. The only absolute contraindication for vaccination is a severe allergic reaction to the first dose of the drug. You should not be vaccinated during pregnancy. SARS, influenza or an exacerbation of a chronic disease can become a temporary restriction. However, after recovery or improvement in the condition, it is quite possible to get vaccinated.

Our experts:

- Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Union of Pediatricians of Russia, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor Leila Namazova-Baranova

Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Moscow State Medical University named after A.I. A. I. Evdokimova of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, member of the Association for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy, Doctor of Medical Sciences Galina Minkina.

Unfortunately, science still does not know why a cancerous tumor occurs in the body, which is why there is still no effective prevention. However, there is one oncological disease, the main cause of which is reliably established. This is cervical cancer. In 97% of cases, it is caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Therefore, protection against this disease is almost entirely in our hands.

Two reliable ways

The HPV vaccine has been registered in 137 countries of the world, and in 70 it is included in national immunization programs. Unfortunately, in Russia this vaccination is not yet included in the National calendar (although in some places it is done at the expense of regional budgets). At the same time, alas, in our country the level of infection with oncogenic strains of HPV is not lower, but significantly higher than in the world. According to research by the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, it is 40% of adults.

In addition to the primary prevention of cervical cancer (that is, vaccination), there is also a secondary one. With its help, you can control this disease, preventing its development. Women who have not been vaccinated against HPV should have a PAP test (scraping of the mucous membranes of the cervix and cervical canal) once a year, which can detect a precancerous disease, such as cervical dysplasia. Without treatment, in 40% of patients in just 3 years, it goes from a mild stage to a severe one, and then to cervical cancer. Unfortunately, in Russia there is no national screening program for this disease, so no more than 30% of women are covered by this test. In the world, secondary prevention has existed for more than 60 years. In those countries that have managed to introduce and maintain well-controlled screening programs, the incidence has decreased significantly. For example, in the USA and Finland it fell by 70%.

6 delusions

Myth 1. The human papillomavirus (HPV) threatens only those who often change sexual partners..

In fact. Indeed, the main route of HPV transmission is sexual. Among the adult sexually active population, this infection is present in 70-80%. However, not only people leading an immoral lifestyle can become infected. So, in England, a major study was conducted for five years. We observed girls aged 15-19 who had just begun sexual activity. Three years later, it turned out that 43% of girls who had a single sexual partner in their lives were infected with HPV. So it was proved that only one sexual intercourse and a single partner can be enough for infection. However, promiscuity, of course, increases the risk of contracting both HPV and other dangerous infections.

Myth 2. If there are warts, papillomas on the body or genitals, then the risk of cervical cancer is very high.

In fact. HPV has 150 types. Fortunately, not all of them are oncogenic. For example, the growth of vulgar warts, which often jump up on the palms, or genital warts, growing in the genital area, is associated with benign varieties of this virus. Cervical cancer is mainly caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35 and 39. Infected with these types of viruses may not have any external manifestations.

Myth 3. HPV can be cured (although it is difficult and expensive) with immunomodulators and antiviral drugs.

In fact. There is no single drug that can cure HPV. Nevertheless, many clinics offer such treatment to their patients. It's just a waste of money. Unlike the herpes virus, which, once it occurs, remains forever, the human papilloma virus can disappear by itself. This happens in 75% of cases. Especially often in young girls who have just begun sexual activity. That is why testing for HPV according to Western standards is not done before 25 or even 30 years. Unfortunately, if dangerous strains of the virus remain in the body, the risk of cancer is greatly increased.

Myth 4. Only girls aged 11-13 can be vaccinated against HPV. Later it's useless. Boys do not need such a vaccine at all.

In fact. You can get vaccinated against HPV at any age. Of course, it is most effective to do this before the virus enters the body (that is, before the onset of sexual activity). An important argument in favor of vaccination in adolescents is that cervical cancer, which occurs slowly in mature women, develops rapidly at a young age. Therefore, in 70% of girls under 25 years old, it is diagnosed at the 3rd-4th stages, when the treatment is already ineffective.

In the West, such a vaccine is given to all adolescents, regardless of gender. And not only so that the boys do not later infect their partners, but also because the strains of the virus that causes cervical cancer may be associated with the occurrence of other oncological diseases, including menacing men (anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer and penis). Adult women can also be vaccinated - up to 45 years and even later. This will increase the chances of not getting sick with a terrible disease.

Teens need two shots, adults need three. But even a single vaccination is better than nothing, although all three injections give full protection. Preliminary testing for the presence of HPV in the body is not required, since it is highly likely that adults already have the virus.

Myth 5: There is no evidence that the HPV vaccine is effective in protecting against cancer.

In fact. HPV vaccines have been widely used for just over 10 years. This period is still not enough to evaluate the effectiveness. However, a large-scale study conducted in Finland involving thousands of young women showed that in a group of girls who were vaccinated against HPV 10-12 years ago, not a single case of cancer was registered during this time, and among the same number who were not vaccinated with cancer 10 people fell ill (with cervical cancer - 8). It is also known that in countries where adolescents are actively vaccinated against HPV, the frequency of cervical dysplasia, which can develop into cancer and can lead to infertility and miscarriages, has decreased by 70% in recent years.

Myth 6. The HPV vaccine protects against all dangerous strains of the virus.

In fact. The vaccine registered in Russia protects against the 4 most dangerous HPV serotypes, which gives approximately 70% protection against cancer. In the West, a 9-valent vaccine is used, its effectiveness is higher - 90%. There is hope that such a vaccine will appear in Russia in the near future. In the meantime, it’s better not to wait, but to take advantage of what is.

The human papillomavirus is a dangerous infection, the main way of transmission of which is sexual contact. Some strains of HPV can cause cancer. At the same time, even condoms are not able to fully protect partners from infection with papillomavirus. In this case, medicine offers a more reliable way to avoid infection - the HPV vaccine.

Vaccinations allow you to protect yourself not only from provoking the development of malignant tumors, but also protect against other common strains. So, 16 and types are capable of causing cervical cancer, as well as cancer of the penis or anus in men. 6 and 11 strains provoke the appearance of warts and papillomas on the genitals. Vaccines are designed to fight these types of HPV, but cannot protect against other strains.

Today, two types of HPV vaccines are officially registered in Russia:

The protective effect of vaccinations is based on the content of weakened papillomavirus compounds in them. The body reacts to them by producing antibodies, which further prevent the possibility of infection with already real strains.

Which vaccine is best

Both drugs protect equally well against highly oncogenic types of the virus, which are considered the most dangerous. However, Gardasil has a wider spectrum of action and prevents infection with other, albeit not so dangerous, strains of HPV. Also, a significant advantage of this vaccine is the ability to be vaccinated in women during lactation.

When vaccinated, it should also be taken into account that Cervarix was tested only on girls. While Gardaxil is also approved for use by boys and men, the vaccine will be a reliable protection against genital warts that occur in the genital area, anus and penis cancer.

Does it work in the presence of HPV

Vaccination is given for preventive purposes, for this reason it will be ineffective with existing papillomavirus strains. In this case, the vaccine will not have any therapeutic effect. However, it is able to protect against HPV strains that a person has not been infected with. Therefore, it makes sense to vaccinate, but only after the treatment.

Who is vaccinated

The most effective vaccination will be in adolescence, when young people have not yet had sexual intercourse. This ensures that the body has time to work when weakened HPV compounds appear, without fear of being infected with real strains. In some countries, it is common practice to vaccinate girls only, but boys can also be vaccinated.

Until what age do

The Ministry of Health of Russia recommends that parents vaccinate their children from the age of 12. At the same time, the World Health Organization makes other recommendations, setting the vaccination age from 16 to 23 years. In some cases, the vaccine may be given earlier, but it is important that the age of the child is at least 9 years old for a girl and at least 10 for a boy.

How vaccination is carried out

Before vaccination, it is necessary to be tested for the presence of HPV if the person has already had sexual intercourse. It is especially important to identify highly oncogenic strains of papillomavirus, if they are present in the body.

In order for vaccination to be successful, it is necessary to adhere to the scheme for using the drug. As part of the vaccination complex, 3 vaccines are administered at different time intervals. Yes, d laCervarixthe interval between doses 1 and 2 is about 4 weeks, and the last stage of vaccination occurs after 6 months. It is permissible to reduce this time to 3-4 months after the first injection. ForGardasilre-introduction is done 1.5 months after the first vaccine, the third injection is also carried out six months later.

The first dose of drugs significantly reduces the risk of infection with papillomavirus, but its effect is not enough to develop a strong immune response. Therefore, it is important to follow the order of vaccination and to put each vaccination in turn. If the segments between them are too short, this may affect the effectiveness of the entire procedure.

If for some reason a person could not complete the full course of vaccination, you can catch up at any time. After the first injection, the remaining vaccinations can be delivered without restarting the course. However, this must be done before the age of 26.

Where is the vaccine given?

The injection is given intramuscularly in the forearm or thigh. The introduction of the drug subcutaneously does not give any effect, and when used intravenously, the substance enters the bloodstream, which can cause a strong immune response.

If necessary, the HPV vaccine can be combined with other vaccines - against hepatitis B, polio, etc. However, in this case, injections must be made in different places.

During pregnancy

During the pregnancy period, women are not recommended to be vaccinated. If a girl started a course of antiviral injections, and at that time pregnancy occurred, it is better to deliver all undelivered vaccinations after the birth of the baby, since the lactation period is not a contraindication for vaccination. If a woman becomes pregnant immediately after the administration of the drug, no treatment or observation is required, since the drug does not adversely affect the development of the fetus.

Contraindications for vaccination

The vaccine is safe and very effective in use, so there are practically no contraindications for its use. A few factors that can aggravate the effects of vaccination include:

allergy to the composition of the drug, this is the only absolute contraindication;
period of pregnancy;
influenza or SARS;
exacerbation of chronic diseases.

After successful treatment, time restrictions can be lifted and vaccination can be carried out.

Possible Complications

The practice of vaccination shows persistent positive results in all those who received the drug. Since vaccines do not contain the DNA of the virus, they do not pose any danger of infection to humans. Vaccination is well tolerated, sometimes with slight redness in the injection area. This symptom quickly passes and does not require special treatment.

Other, rare side effects include:

temperature rise;
pain at the injection site;
allergic reaction;
muscle pain.

These complications should be treated symptomatically. So, at a temperature, you can use antipyretics, for example, Paracetamol or Nurofen, which will also act as an analgesic drug. Usually, side effects are short-term, disappearing after a few hours.

Where to get vaccinated

Vaccination is carried out both in public clinics and oncology centers, and in private medical institutions. In addition, the patient has a choice of where to vaccinate: in the clinic or at home. The latter option is very convenient and safe, since the procedure does not require special equipment.

Vaccine price

Prices for this procedure vary depending on the region and the specific clinic. The vaccines themselves are sold at the same price to all medical centers, as they are produced by one supplier. Prices for Gardasil range from 5.5 to 8.5 thousand rubles, and Cervarix will cost less - 3.5-5.5 thousand. However, medical institutions can carry out an extra charge, so the cost of the procedure often starts at 10 thousand.