Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine

Cancer cervix is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in women worldwide.In India it is second most common gynaecological cancer preceded by cancer breast.It more common in sexually active women in age group of45 yrs.very few people know this disease can be prevented if females are vaccinated with HPV vaccine. ‎

Human papilloma virus vaccine not only protects against cancer cervix but also from various HPV related cancers like anal and throat cancer but also genital warts.

HPV vaccine is available as bivalent,quadrivalent and nonavalent vaccine with different costs according to pocket of patients ranging from rs 2000 to rs 10000.

Various HPV vaccines available in market are CERVAVEC,GARDESIL4,GARDESIL9.HPV vaccine should ideally be given in females before sexual contact in age group of 9-45yrs.Even young males in age group of 9-26 yrs are eligible to receive the vaccine as it gives them protection from anal,throat and genital cancers as well as warts.

Vaccine is given as intramuscular injection in deltoid muscle of arm as a two doses schedule or three doses schedule depending on the age group of patients.IN Children below 14 yrs two doses 6 months apart are sufficient.However in females more than 15 yrs schedule of 0,2,6 months is followed.

Important thing to remember is HPV vaccine is given as preventative measure and it doesn’t treat preexisting infections. ‎