Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) is among the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the USA. In this country, HPV virus infects 6.2 million people every year.
How is HPV Vaccine Applied?
Gardasil (HPV vaccine) is a vaccine that does not carry live virus and is administered in 3 doses over a 6-month period. It is considered to be a highly effective vaccine against 4 types of viruses that cause cervical cancer and genital warts.
HPV vaccine can be given to young girls between the ages of 12-26 and 9 years old at the earliest. The reason for this is that some HPV types may be infected in those who have started their sexual life, and the protective power of the vaccine decreases. Despite this, it is seen that protection against the other 3 types continues even if any HPV type is transmitted. Studies on the age of 26 have recently started and some results have been obtained. Currently, drug authorization commissions are based on the age range of 9-26.
Can HPV Vaccine Be Applied in Men?
In terms of evidence-based medicine, definitive evidence of HPV vaccine in men is not yet sufficient. In the light of indirect data and findings, it is thought that it will have benefits on pathologies such as penile, anus cancer and genital warts. According to the course of scientific studies, it is thought that vaccination of men will indirectly protect women from some types of cancer. However, due to the lack of conclusive evidence, there are no vaccination protocols for men yet.
Can Pregnant Women Be Vaccinated?
HPV vaccine is still not recommended for pregnant women. There is not enough evidence and research on the side effects of the vaccine in pregnant women and unborn babies. Although studies to date have not shown undesirable effects on pregnant women and newborns, current studies are insufficient in terms of conclusive evidence.
Available information does not include initiation of vaccinations after termination of pregnancy. It proposes to add or complete the deficiencies. Pregnant women who realize their pregnancy after the first dose of the vaccine should continue their other vaccines after the termination of pregnancy.
How Effective is the HPV Vaccine?
HPV vaccine provides 100% protection against 4 types of viruses. It prevents cervix, vulva, vagina precancerous formations and genital warts that these 4 types of viruses can form. This high rate of protection mentioned above covers people between the ages of 9-26 who have never encountered 4 types of HPV infection.
Individuals who have been exposed to any of the 4 types of HPV, these protection rates decrease. The HPV vaccine has absolutely no curative effect on existing precancerous lesions or genital warts. It is extremely important not to confuse the protective effect with the therapeutic effects.
For How Many Years Does the HPV Vaccine Continue to Protect?
It is not known exactly how long the vaccine protects. Scientific studies to date have proven that the protection of the vaccine is at least 5 years. It is thought that the protection may be longer than 5 years, but there are not enough studies yet.
What are the Inadequacy Points of the HPV Vaccine?
Since the vaccine does not provide protection against all HPV viruses, it is not completely effective against genital cancer and warts. protection is not possible. There is no protection against 30% of cervical cancers. For this reason, it is essential for women to continue screening tests for cervical cancer (such as Pap Smear test) after vaccination.
At the same time, 10% of genital warts are not protected despite vaccination. For this reason, people should show the necessary sensitivity and protection against other sexually transmitted diseases and HPV types that are outside the scope of protection. Safety and reliability studies were carried out on 11,000 women aged 9-26 by the institution. This study showed that there were no serious side effects of the vaccine. The most common side effect is a burning sensation sometimes seen at the injection site. CDC (Central Disease Control) and FDA are still concerned about vaccine safety. continues its studies jointly.
What are the Other Ways of Protection from Cervical Cancer and HPV Virus?
Another vaccine that causes 70% of cervical cancers is still in the process of trial and study. In the near future, this vaccine will be introduced to health services. The majority of those diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States are women who have never had a Pap Smear test or have not had a Pap Smear test in the last 5 years. At the same time, it is known that the use of condoms prevents AIDS and many sexually transmitted diseases to a certain extent.
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