HPV Vaccines (Cervical Cancer Vaccines)

Today, HPV vaccine is available from two different companies. Gardasil (Quad vaccine) and cervarix (Dual vaccine)

For these two vaccines, 11-12 years old girls and boys, if possible before sexual intercourse; although sexual intercourse is in question, girls and women aged 9-26 can be vaccinated in three doses without HPV testing. It has also been shown to have the same effect when it is performed in women up to the age of 43.

For cancer, both vaccines have protection against HPV 16 and HPV 18, which is responsible for 70-80% of cervical cancers. Vaccines protect 100% against these two types. Gardasil (Quadruple vaccine) also has 100% protection against HPV 6 and HPV 11, which are responsible for 90% of genital warts. It should not be forgotten; Although a vaccine is given, it is possible to continue pap-smear screening, as cancer can develop with other HPV types (though rarely).

Both vaccines are administered intramuscularly in three doses to be effective. In the light of today's information, booster (repeat dose) is not required. Since these vaccines do not contain live or dead viruses, they cannot cause HPV infection, HPV-related cancer or death as a side effect. The simple side effects that exist only in all vaccines, such as redness, pain and swelling due to the site of the vaccine, are seen. (Extracted from the Turkish Gynaecological Oncology Association page)

For all these reasons, you sould have your HPV vaccination.