Introduction to HPV

What is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of related viruses that can infect various parts of the body. There are over 200 types of HPV, classified as either low-risk or high-risk based on their association with certain diseases.

How does HPV Spread?

HPV is primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact and is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Almost everyone who’s sexually active will have at least one type of HPV at some point.

What are some HPV symptoms?

Genital HPV infections typically don’t cause symptoms, but when they do, the most common sign is warts in the genital area. High-risk HPV types can lead to cervical cancer, among other cancers.

In India, cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women between 15 and 44. As per reports, 1,22,844 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in India. Moreover, 67,477 women die from cervical cancer in India every year.

How can I make sure I don’t get or Spread HPV?

How to avoid getting HPV?

• Get HPV vaccine

• Use condoms for every sexual encounter to reduce your chances of getting or spreading infections

How can I avoid giving someone HPV?

• Get Screened to Catch Precancerous Changes Early

• A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women.

• If you do test positive for HPV, be sure to tell your sexual partners so they can get tested

HPV Vaccination

💉 HPV vaccination works like other immunisations to guard individuals against viral infections. It stimulates the production of antibodies in the body to prevent HPV infection in the future.

Benefits:

• Preventing Cancers: The vaccine protects against HPV-related cancers in both males and females.

• Promoting Herd Immunity: Reduces the overall prevalence of HPV in the community, benefiting even those who are not vaccinated.

• Early Vaccination for Maximum Effectiveness: Most effective when administered before any sexual activity begins. Immunising preteens and adolescents provides optimal protection against the virus.

Recommended Age: 9-12 Years Enhances vaccine effectiveness and contributes to long-lasting protection against cervical cancer.

Eligibility:

• 9-14 Years: 2 Doses 0 & 6 months Bivalent (0, 6 months), Quadrivalent & Nonavalent (Second dose may be given at 5-15 months)

• 15-26 Years: 3 Doses 0, 2 & 6 months Quadrivalent & Nonavalent

• 27-45 Years (Women): 3 Doses 0, 2 & 6 months Quadrivalent & Nonavalent (Should be counselled regarding reduced efficacy)

If you are vaccinated before being exposed to the virus, the HPV vaccine is 97 percent effective in preventing cervical cancer and cell changes that could lead to cancer. Plus, it’s almost 100 percent effective in preventing external genital warts.

What are the different types of HPV Vaccines in India?

Generally, HPV is used to describe a few viruses that all fall under the same umbrella. There are 3 different HPV vaccines currently available in India (which are also licensed globally), and the key difference between them is the number of HPV virus subtypes that they safeguard against.

1. Cervavac This is known as a bivalent vaccine, which means that it prevents 2 types of HPV viruses — Type 16 and 18 — which are most commonly associated with cervical cancer.

   In our research, we found that Cervavac isn’t as widely sourced as the other 2 vaccines, so we would highly recommend calling your doctor in advance to see if it’s available near you.

   
   

2. Gardisil - G4 or Gardisil is known as a quadrivalent vaccine, which means that it prevents against 4 types of HPV viruses — Type 6, 11, 16, and 18 — which are commonly associated not only with cervical cancer, but also genital warts.In our research, we found that G4 is the most commonly available vaccine type today. In fact, after consulting with a doctor, you might even get a prescription to directly purchase the vaccine from a pharmacy and get it administered by a professional.

   
   

3. Gardisil 9 - G9 or Gardisil 9 is the newest vaccine released and licensed. It prevents against 9 different types of HPV viruses — Type 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 — which provides protection against the most common types that cause cervical cancer, as well as some that cause genital warts.In our research, we found that G9 is commonly available upon request. If you speak to your doctor, it can be arranged for administration within a few days. Similar to G4, you might even get a prescription to directly purchase the vaccine from a pharmacy and get it administered by a professional.

   
   

What is the cost of the HPV vaccine in India?

Cervavac: Cost per dose - ~INR2000

Gardisil : Cost per dose - ~INR 4000

Gardisil 9 - Cost per dose - ~INR 10,000-11,500 (depending on the city you’re in.)

What are the next steps?

1. Consult a Doctor/Healthcare provider

2. Check for Eligibility

3. Schedule a vaccination appointment

4. Complete the vaccination series

5. Spread Awareness

Find the nearest vaccination centre around you to go get jabbed!!

• HPV Vaccine in Mumbai: Click Here

• HPV Vaccine in Delhi: Click Here

• HPV Vaccine in Bangalore: Click Here

• HPV Vaccine in Kolkata: Click Here

• HPV Vaccine in Chennai: Click Here

• HPV Vaccine in Hyderabad: Click Here

Potential Side Effects

Similar to any medication, vaccines, including the HPV vaccine, can elicit side effects. The majority of individuals who receive the HPV vaccine encounter no side effects whatsoever.

The most commonly reported mild side effects of the HPV vaccine encompass:

• Discomfort, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot was administered.

• Occasional instances of fever.

• Dizziness or fainting (adolescents, in particular, may experience fainting more frequently after any vaccination, including the HPV vaccine).

• Headache or a sense of fatigue.

• Nausea.

• Mild muscle or joint pain.

It's important to note that these effects are typically transient and represent the body's natural response to the vaccine.

Do not take the HPV vaccine if you:

1. Are pregnant

2. Have had an allergic reaction after the initial HPV shot

3. Are allergic to yeast

If vaccinated before exposure to the virus, the HPV vaccine is 97% effective in preventing cervical cancer and cell changes that could lead to cancer. Additionally, it's almost 100% effective in preventing external genital warts.

TL;DR:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus transmitted through sexual contact, often without symptoms.

• It can lead to genital warts and various cancers.

• The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing HPV infections and related cancers, recommended for both males and females aged 9-45.

• While generally safe, mild side effects may occur, and certain individuals should avoid vaccination.

• Regular screening and vaccination can help reduce the prevalence of HPV and its associated health risks.