HPV(Human Papilloma Virus) is a common virus that infects most of men and women. About 80% people will get HPV infection in their lifetime. Most HPV infections go away on their own.
Infections that don’t go away can cause precancers and cancers.
Infection with HPV types that causes most cancers has dropped by 70 percent among teenage girls after HPV vaccine.
HPV vaccine only works if it is given before a person is infected. Almost no 9-12 year old is infected.
HPV vaccine –licensed globally in India are
- Quadrivalent vaccine (HPV 6,11,16,18)
- Bivalent vaccine (HPV 16, 18)
It is not active against all HPV types.
Indian academy of pediatrics (IAP) recommends on HPV vaccine
- Two doses of either of two HPV vaccines for girls aged 9-14 years, doses at the interval of 6 months.
- Three doses of either of two HPV vaccine for girls 15 years and older and those with immunosuppression , doses at 0, 1 and 6 months.
Facts regarding HPV vaccine:
- Does not guarantee complete protection against cervix cancer and other cancers due to HPV.
- Cervical screening is still important
VACCINE IS NOT REPLACEMENT FOR CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING.