Q1. WHAT IS HPV?
Ans: HPV is human papilloma virus. It is a DNA virus. HPV can transmit through sexual contact or through skin-to-skin contact. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Most importantly, HPV causes the second most common cancer in Indian women- cervical cancer(breast cancer is the most common cancer in women).
Q2. WHICH ILLNESS IS CAUSED BY HPV?
Ans: HPV has more than 200 serotypes. Most of them do not cause any serious illness and 90% resolve spontaneously. However, in some cases, an HPV infection persists and results in either warts or cancer.
HPV16 and HPV18- Cervical cancer(most important). Cancer of the vulva, vagina, anus penis oral cavity throat is also caused by these serotypes. They transmit through sexual contact.
HPV 6 and HPV 11- Anal and genital warts, laryngeal(throat) papillomatosis.
HPV 2 and HPV 4- Common warts ( transmit by skin-to-skin contact). Many other serotypes also cause warts.
Q3. WHY HPV VACCINE IS NECESSARY?
Ans: HPV vaccines can prevent cervical cancer or other HPV-induced cancers if given before the onset of sexual activity.
Q4. WHO CAN TAKE HPV VACCINE?
Ans: All girls should take the HPV vaccine.
Q5. WHO CANNOT TAKE HPV VACCINE?
Ans:1. those with a history of severe reaction to a past dose of HPV vaccine(rare).2. children with a history of allergy to latex or yeast( very rare). 3. pregnant women
Q6. CAN BOYS TAKE HPV VACCINE?
Ans: Although HPV vaccines are not approved in boys in India, it is recommended for all children in many countries. This is because, HPV not only causes cervical cancer but also can cause cancer of the anus, penis, oral cavity, or throat in men. Vaccinated boys are also less likely to spread HPV to future partners.
Q7. AT WHICH AGE HPV VACCINE IS GIVEN?
Ans: Ideally HPV vaccine should be given to all(only girls in India) between 11-12 years. It may be given to girls after 9 years of age. HPV vaccines are also advised in women aged between 13-26 years who are not vaccinated previously.
Q8. WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE VACCINE?
Ans: In India only two vaccines are available –
1. GARDASIL(Quadrivalent, offers protection against serotype 6, 11, 16, 18),
MRP -3570/-
2. CERVARIX(Bivalent, offers protection against serotype 16,18)
MRP-2640/-
Q9. WHAT IS THE DOSAGE SCHEDULE?
Ans: Below 15 years- 2 doses 6 months apart(both GARDASIL and CERVARIX)
Fifteen years or above-
GERDASIL- 3 dose( 0-2-6 month)
CERVARIX- 3 dose(0-1-6 month)
Q10. WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECT AFTER VACCINATINATION?
Ans: There is no risk of serious side effects following vaccination. Local pain at the injection site, fever, dizziness, vomiting, and muscle pain (myalgia) is experienced by a few children following vaccination.
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