HPV is a virus that has more than 30 types. Although most of them are harmless, some types cause serious diseases. HPV is very diverse, some can cause infections while others develop no symptoms. The most common symptom is; These are warts that occur in the genital area or anus. Many HPV infections are silent and the individual experiences no signs or symptoms. Dangerous types of HPV can cause cancer. The best way to protect against HPV is to limit sexual activity and use condoms. However, this is not considered a definitive measure. HPV vaccine is available for young men and women, and vaccination is recommended before exposure to the virus.
HPV vaccine is a type of vaccine given to protect against the HPV virus. HPV is a virus that is usually transmitted through sexual contact and can cause serious health problems in women, such as cervical cancer and genital warts. It is known to cause genital warts and some types of cancer in men. When it comes to HPV vaccine, “What does the HPV vaccine do?” The question is also asked. There are generally 2 types of vaccine available: Cervarix and GARDASIL. Cervarix protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause cervical cancer. GARDASIL protects against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts and cancers of the anus, vulva and vagina, as well as HPV 16 and 18.
How to get HPV vaccine?
HPV vaccine is administered intramuscularly, mostly in the upper arm area. It is recommended that all doses be completed for best protection. After the first dose, the 2nd dose is given 1-2 months later and the 3rd dose is given 6 months later. The vaccination program may vary depending on the person and their health condition. The area where the vaccine will be administered is cleaned with alcohol beforehand and injected into the muscle tissue. After vaccination, the person is advised to wait under observation for 15-20 minutes. This importance helps to see allergic reactions that may occur in some individuals.
Who gets the HPV vaccine?
While investigating the HPV virus, the question “Is the HPV vaccine necessary?”, which is known to provide resistance against this virus, is asked. question is asked. The HPV vaccine is a type of vaccine recommended for everyone between the ages of 9 and 26. The effectiveness of the vaccine is higher before sexual activity begins because the person has never come into contact with HPV.
However, individuals who have previously had HPV infection may also be recommended to get vaccinated because the vaccine provides protection against many types of HPV.
How many doses of HPV vaccine are given?
The HPV vaccine, like many types of vaccines, directs the body to gain immunity by introducing the virus into the body. In this way, the body’s defense system is warned against possible HPV infections. Vaccination of women and men, especially between the ages of 15-45, is extremely important for public health to prevent the spread of this virus. HPV vaccine is usually planned as 3 doses. For people over 15 years of age, the 2nd dose is administered 2 months after the first dose, and the 3rd dose is administered 6 months after the 2nd dose. For children under 15 years of age, the vaccine is administered in 2 doses, 6 months apart. Completing all doses of the vaccine is necessary to ensure full protection.
What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?
Although the HPV vaccine provides protection against the virus, it may cause some side effects in some people. Common HPV vaccine side effects include: Redness, swelling and pain occur in the area where the vaccine was administered. In some cases, headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting may occur. Doctor’s recommendations should be taken into consideration before and after vaccination.
Is the HPV vaccine free?
GARDASIL 4, which has been in our country for a long time, and GARDASIL 9, which was imported in early 2023, are not covered by SSI. People must obtain and receive these vaccines. Although there is an expectation that the HPV vaccine will be included in the vaccination calendar, the HPV vaccine is still administered for a fee today (January 2024).